Afghanistan cricket mourns pacer Shapoor Zadran’s death a day before his 39th birthday

Afghanistan cricketer Shapoor Zadran attends the Cricket World Cup Pool A match against Australia in Perth, Australia, on March 4, 2015. (AP Photo/Theron Kirkman, File) Updated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [timezone], [monthFull] [day], [year] Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran has died after a Prolonged illness a day before his 39th birthday.The Afghanistan-cricket-board" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="160551" data-entity-type="organization">Afghanistan Cricket Board made the announcement in a statement on Tuesday “with profound grief and deep sorrow.”“Shapoor Zadran was one of the foundation-laying figures of Afghanistan cricket, whose dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment played a vital role in the rise and development of the game in our country.”Zadran was suffering from a rare disease which affected his immune system. He was being treated at a hospital in New Delhi since January.The 1.88-meter (6-foot-2) fast bowler took 80 wickets in 44 one-day internationals and 36 Twenty20s while playing international cricket from 2009-20.His best performance came at the 2015 ODI World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in which he was the leading Afghanistan wicket-taker with 10. He also played in four T20 World Cups and took nine wickets in nine games. Zadran’s career-best figures of 4-24 in ODIs came on debut against the Netherlands in 2009. He made his T20 debut against Ireland in February 2010 and his best performance was 3-40 against Bangladesh in 2018.“Shapoor served Afghanistan cricket with honor, courage, and pride,” the ACB said. “His efforts in the service of the national team will never be forgotten.”___AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket