![Afghanistan have postponed a big domestic tournament [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1783583487277_AfghanistanShapoorZadran.jpg?type=hq)
Afghanistan have postponed a big domestic tournament [Source: AFP]
As a mark of respect for the late fast bowler Shapoor Zadran, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) decided to postpone a major tournament. The postponement comes after Zadran passed away at the age of 38.
Shapoor Zadran died on July 8 after battling Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening immune system disorder. He had been receiving treatment in New Delhi before his death.
ACB pays tribute to Shapoor Zadran
Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) officially postponed matches scheduled for July 8 and July 9 in the 11th edition of the Shpageeza Cricket League.
This wasn't because of any logistical issue. Instead, it was done as a mark of respect for Shapoor Zadran. By pausing its biggest domestic T20 tournament, the ACB is giving players, officials and fans time to mourn and attend funeral ceremonies and mourn the loss.
The Shpageeza Cricket League began on July 1 and is scheduled to run for two weeks, with the finale scheduled on July 14. The postponed matches will be given new slots soon.
Currently, Amo Sharks are leading the table with 4 wins in 5 matches, while Band-e-Amir Dragons are sitting at the bottom of the table with zero points in 5 games.
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ACB makes funeral arrangements for Zadran
Meanwhile, the ACB have made special funeral arrangements for Shapoor Zadran. His mortal remains arrived at Kabul International Airport, and funeral prayers were held at Eidgah Mosque in Kabul.
He was buried at Maranjan Hill, where ACB officials and Afghanistan national team players paid their respects. Seniors like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi carried the coffin with tears in their eyes.
A lot of players were in absolute tears and broke down remembering their former teammate. Undoubtedly, it marks a dark day in Afghanistan's cricket history, and the country will continue to mourn the loss.
Who was Shapoor Zadran?
Former fast bowler Shapoor Zadran was no ordinary man. He was one of the pioneers of Afghan cricket. He made his international debut in 2009, when Afghanistan was still establishing itself in world cricket.
Zadran went on to play 80 international matches, taking 43 ODI wickets and 37 T20I wickets. He also helped Afghanistan grow from an Associate nation into a Full Member of the ICC.
His most iconic contribution came at the 2015 ICC ODI World Cup. Against Scotland, Afghanistan needed a few runs in a tense finish. Shapoor Zadran hit the winning boundary, giving Afghanistan its first-ever victory at a World Cup.
He also finished that tournament as Afghanistan's leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets. From that day onwards, Shapoor Zadran became a true hero for Afghan cricket. However, a rare disease cut his promising career short, and he eventually lost his life while battling it till his last breath.
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