NEW DELHI: There were tears, and heartbreaking scenes as Afghanistan cricket bid an emotional farewell to former fast bowler Shapoor Zadran. Star spinner Rashid Khan, wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and several other Afghanistan cricketers were seen breaking down while paying their final respects to their former teammate, whose death has left the country’s cricket fraternity in mourning.The former Afghanistan fast bowler passed away in India on Tuesday following a prolonged illness, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed. He was 38. Zadran, who represented Afghanistan in 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is between 2009 and 2020, had been undergoing treatment in New Delhi after being diagnosed with stage four haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening condition that causes severe inflammation and can damage the bone marrow, liver, spleen and lymph nodes. He had been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) since May.His health problems began in October last year, after doctors advised him to seek advanced treatment in India. With the support of Afghanistan star Rashid Khan and ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf, his visa was fast-tracked, allowing him to be admitted to a hospital in New Delhi on January 18.Former Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan regularly travelled between Dubai and New Delhi to be by Zadran’s side during his treatment. Rashid Khan and several other Afghanistan cricketers also remained in constant touch with his doctors and family. Although he initially showed signs of recovery, his condition later worsened because of repeated infections, dengue and a sharp decline in his red blood cell count.Paying tribute, the Afghanistan Cricket Board said: “Throughout his career, Shapoor served Afghanistan cricket with honour, courage and pride. His contributions and achievements will always remain an important part of the history of Afghanistan cricket, and his efforts in the service of the national team will never be forgotten.”“Beyond his achievements on the field, Shapoor Zadran was a true source of inspiration for many young Afghan cricketers and for cricket followers across the world. His fighting spirit, determination, and love for the game gave hope to many and encouraged a generation to dream bigger and believe in the future of Afghanistan cricket.”“The Afghanistan Cricket Board extends its heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to his family, friends, loved ones, former teammates, and the entire Afghan cricket community. His loss is deeply felt, and his memory will forever remain alive in the hearts of the people of Afghanistan and the cricketing world. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the board said.
