Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz break down as Afghanistan bid emotional farewell to Shapoor Zadran

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, wicket-keeper batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and several other cricketers from Afghanistan were seen breaking down as they paid their last respects to their former teammate whose death left the country’s cricketing fraternity in mourning.The former Afghanistan fast bowler died on Tuesday in India after 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, was undergoing treatment in New Delhi after being diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening disease that causes severe inflammation and can damage the bone marrow, liver, spleen. He has 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 Afghan star Rashid Khan and ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf, his visa was quickly processed and allowed him to be admitted to a hospital in New Delhi on 18 January.Former Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan regularly traveled between Dubai and New Delhi to be by Zadran’s side during his treatment. Rashid Khan and several other cricketers in Afghanistan have also remained in constant touch with their doctors and family. Although he initially showed signs of recovery, his condition later deteriorated due to repeated infections, dengue fever and a sharp drop 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.”“Apart from his achievements on the field, Shapoor Zadran has been a true inspiration to many young Afghan cricketers and to cricket fans around the world. His fighting spirit, determination and love for the game gave hope to many and encouraged a whole generation to dream bigger and believe in the future of Afghan cricket.”“The Afghanistan Cricket Board extends its sincere 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 committee said.