New Delhi: There were tears and heartbreaking scenes as Afghanistan cricketers bid farewell to former fast bowler Shapur Zadran. star spinner Rashid Khanwicketkeeper batsman Rahmanullah GurbazIbrahim Zadran and several other Afghan cricketers were seen breaking down as they paid their last respects to their former teammate, whose death has plunged the country’s cricketing fraternity into mourning.The former Afghanistan fast bowler passed away in India on Tuesday after a long illness, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed. He is 38 years old. Zadran, who represented Afghanistan in 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is between 2009 and 2020, was diagnosed with stage 4 hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and has been undergoing treatment in New Delhi. HLH is a rare and life-threatening disease that causes severe inflammation and may damage the bone marrow, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. He has been in the intensive care unit (ICU) since May.His health problems began last October after doctors recommended he seek advanced treatment in India. With the support of Afghanistan star Rashid Khan and ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf, his visa was expedited, allowing him to be admitted to a hospital in New Delhi on January 18.Former Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghanistan, who regularly commutes between Dubai and New Delhi, was by Zadran’s side during his treatment. Rashid Khan and several other Afghan cricketers are also in touch with his doctors and family. Although he initially showed signs of recovery, his condition subsequently worsened due to recurring infections, dengue fever and a sharp drop in red blood cell count.The Afghanistan Cricket Board paid tribute: “Throughout his career, Shahpur served Afghan cricket with honour, courage and pride. His contributions and achievements will always be an important part of Afghanistan’s cricket history and his efforts for the national team will never be forgotten. ““Beyond his achievements on the field, Shapoor Zadran was a true source of inspiration to many young Afghan cricketers and cricket lovers around 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 Afghan cricket.”“The Afghanistan Cricket Board expresses its heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to his family, friends, loved ones, former teammates and the entire Afghan cricket fraternity. The Board is deeply saddened by his passing and his memory will always live in the hearts of the Afghan people and the cricketing world. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
