Former Afghanistan pacer Shapoor Zadran, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 38 after a long battle with illness, was laid to rest in Kabul on July 9. Zadran played for Afghanistan in 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is between 2009 and 2020 and was one of their premier pacers in their formative years.

After being diagnosed with stage four hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and potentially fatal illness that causes severe inflammation and can harm the bone marrow, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes, Zadran was receiving treatment in the NCR-Delhi area.

Since May, he had been admitted to the critical care unit (ICU). His health issues started in October of last year after medical professionals recommended that he travel to India for more advanced therapy. His visa was expedited with the help of ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf and Afghanistan star Rashid Khan, enabling him to be admitted to a hospital in Delhi on January 18.

The official X handle of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) shared a heartfelt video of several of Afghanistan's cricketing stars, like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Azmatullah Omarzai, and others, receiving the mortal remains of Zadran in Kabul.

Former Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan is also seen as Zadran’s remains are carried to an ambulance, with the destination being the burial ground. Thousands of locals, along with officials from the Afghanistan Cricket Board, attended the funeral of Zadran.

“Funeral Ceremony of the Late Shapoor Zadran. The mortal remains of the late Shapoor Zadran were brought to Kabul yesterday, and following the funeral prayer held at 10:00 AM this morning, he was laid to rest at Maranjan Hill Cemetery in Kabul.

This video captures moments from the funeral ceremony, including heartfelt condolence messages and tributes from former Afghanistan national team players, respected guests, elders, and members of the cricket fraternity who gathered to pay their final respects,” the ACB X post read.  

The ACB praised Shapoor Zadran as one of the pioneers of Afghan cricket, claiming that his devotion and hard work were crucial to the development of the game and the nation's ascent on the global scene.

"Shapoor Zadran was one of the foundation-laying figures of Afghanistan cricket, whose dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment played a vital role in the rise and development of the game in our country. He was among the proud cricketers who stood at the heart of Afghanistan's early cricket journey and helped build the path that brought Afghan cricket to the international stage," the ACB said in a statement.

"Throughout his career, Shapoor served Afghanistan cricket with honor, 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," the ACB added.

Zadran picked up 80 wickets in international cricket and was part of Afghanistan’s first-ever ICC World Cup win over Scotland in the 2015 edition.