NEW DELHI: Former Afghanistan cricket team fast bowler Shahpur Zadran passed away at the age of 38 after a protracted illness.
He was suffering from various ailments, including cancer, and was undergoing treatment in New Delhi, India, for some time. When the news of his death came out, a wave of grief spread in the international cricket community, including Afghanistan, while fellow cricketers, fans, and sports personalities paid tribute to his services.
Shahpur Zadran breathed his last in New Delhi on July 7, a day before his 39th birthday. His death deprived Afghanistan cricket of a player who played a prominent role in the team’s early international journey and contributed to several memorable victories through his fast bowling.
Standing over six feet tall, with long flowing hair and an aggressive bowling style, Shahpur was considered a big challenge for opposing teams due to his pace, bounce, and ability to take wickets in the early overs. His energy and passion on the field were also a source of inspiration for young players.
During his international career, Shahpur Zadran played 44 One-Day Internationals and 36 Twenty20 Internationals for Afghanistan. He played a key role in leading the team to success on several important occasions and was considered one of the main fast bowlers of the national team during the emerging era of Afghanistan cricket.
An important chapter of Shahpur Zadran’s life was also connected to Pakistan. As an Afghan refugee, he lived in Peshawar for many years, where he received his early cricket training. It was on the fields of Peshawar that he began his cricketing journey and later gained access to the Afghanistan national team. Among his early teammates were renowned Afghan cricketers Mohammad Nabi, Asghar Afghan, and Dawlat Zadran, who later played an important role in the successes of Afghanistan cricket.
Shahpur Zadran’s role in the journey of Afghanistan cricket to emerge on the world stage will always be remembered. With his hard work, determination, and exceptional performance, he not only strengthened his team but also made a significant contribution to making Afghanistan cricket known worldwide.
Afghanistan cricket circles, former and current cricketers, and cricket fans expressed deep sorrow and grief over the death of Shahpur Zadran, appreciated the services of the deceased, and expressed condolences to his family. His death is being described as a great loss for Afghanistan cricket.
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