India, July 7 -- Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran, who was an important figure in the country's rise on the international cricket stage, has passed away at the age of 38 after battling a serious illness. His brother and former Afghanistan cricketer Dawlat Zadran confirmed the news with an emotional tribute, writing, "Heartbroken by the passing of my dear friend and brother, Shapoor Zadran," and adding, "Words cannot express this loss."

Zadran had been receiving medical care in New Delhi after being diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and potentially life-threatening immune disorder. He had been hospitalized in India since January and was readmitted after his health worsened following an initial im...