Cricket boards, former players, officials and prominent figures from the cricket world have expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran and extended condolences to his family, the Afghanistan cricket fraternity and the nation.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said in a statement on Wednesday that the body of the late cricketer arrived in Kabul, where current and former national team players, ACB officials, family members and other dignitaries gathered at Kabul International Airport to receive him.
The funeral prayer for Shapoor Zadran was held on Thursday, July 9, at the Eidgah Mosque in Kabul. He will be laid to rest at Maranjan Hill in Kabul.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) expressed sadness over his death on its X account, describing Zadran as a fast bowler and Cricket World Cup hero.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah wrote on X that he was deeply saddened by the passing of the former Afghan cricketer at the age of 38, praising his contribution to Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket.
He highlighted Zadran’s match-winning all-round performance against Scotland in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, which secured Afghanistan’s first-ever World Cup victory.
“Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the entire Afghanistan cricket fraternity. May his soul rest in peace,” Shah wrote.
Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh said Zadran was a true pioneer of Afghanistan cricket, adding that his passion and commitment to the game would always be remembered.
“It’s always heartbreaking to lose someone who gave so much to the game,” Singh wrote, offering condolences to Zadran’s family and the Afghanistan cricket community.
Former India cricketer and commentator Ravi Shastri also expressed sorrow over Zadran’s death, saying his contribution to Afghanistan’s journey in world cricket would always be remembered.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar described Zadran as a fearless bowler who played a key role in putting Afghanistan cricket on the global stage. He extended condolences to Zadran’s family, friends and teammates.
Former Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews also paid tribute, saying Zadran was a champion both on and off the field and offering prayers for his family and friends.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board said it was deeply saddened by Zadran’s passing, adding that his contribution to Afghanistan cricket would always be remembered.
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood also expressed condolences over the death of Zadran and extended his support to the cricketer’s family during the difficult time.
Meanwhile, several other cricket bodies and figures from around the world expressed grief over Zadran’s death and conveyed condolences to his family and the people of Afghanistan.
Shapoor Zadran died at the age of 38 on July 7 in New Delhi after a prolonged illness. He had been receiving treatment in India for a rare medical condition. He was admitted to a hospital in New Delhi in January after falling ill in Afghanistan last October. His brother, Ghamai Zadran, and former Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan had accompanied him during his treatment.
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