Watch: Rashid Khan & other players break down in tears, left emotional at Shapoor Zadran's funeral

The Afghanistan cricket fraternity came together in grief as former fast bowler Shapoor Zadran was given a heartfelt final farewell. His mortal remains arrived in Kabul on Wednesday, where family members, Afghanistan Cricket Board officials, and several current and former cricketers gathered at Kabul International Airport to pay their last respects.

The emotional ceremony saw many members of the Afghanistan cricket community struggling to hold back tears. Among those visibly heartbroken was star spinner Rashid Khan, who broke down while bidding farewell to his former teammate. Players embraced one another, offered prayers, and stood together as they mourned the loss of one of Afghanistan's cricket pioneers.

The touching scenes from the funeral have since gone viral on social media, with fans paying tribute to Zadran's contribution to Afghanistan cricket. The emotional farewell reflected the deep respect and admiration he earned throughout his career.

Watch the viral video below.

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Rashid Khan & Mohammad Nabi carry Shapoor Zadran's coffin as emotions overflow in Kabul

Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi were among the senior Afghanistan cricketers who carried Shapoor Zadran's coffin on their shoulders during his funeral in Kabul. The emotional moment reflected the respect and love the former fast bowler earned from his teammates over the years. Several current and former players joined family members and officials to bid him a final farewell.

Zadran passed away at the age of 38 in India after battling Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and serious immune disorder. His death came as a huge shock to the Afghanistan cricket community, with tributes pouring in from players, fans, and the Afghanistan Cricket Board.

See also -Shapoor Zadran passes away at 38 — Former Afghanistan pacer dies after long battle with rare illness

Widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Afghanistan cricket, Zadran played a key role in the national team's journey from the associate level to international cricket. Although he is no longer with them, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. The tears shed by Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and their teammates showed the deep respect and bond they shared with a beloved friend and teammate.

Inside Shapoor Zadran's final journey home — From New Delhi hospital to Maranjan Hill

Shapoor Zadran was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening immune system disorder, after his health began to deteriorate in October 2025. The disease causes the immune system to attack healthy tissues and can seriously damage organs such as the bone marrow, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. As his condition worsened, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 HLH.

With support from Afghanistan star Rashid Khan and Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) chairman Mirwais Ashraf, Zadran received a visa to travel to India for advanced treatment. He was admitted to a hospital in New Delhi on January 18, 2026. During his treatment, he also contracted dengue fever, which further weakened his body. Although he showed signs of improvement at times, his condition continued to worsen, and he remained in the intensive care unit (ICU) from May until his passing.

See also -Who was Shapoor Zadran? Afghanistan's pioneer pacer dies at 38 after long battle with rare illness

After his death, Shapoor Zadran's mortal remains were flown back to Afghanistan, where he was given an emotional farewell. Family members, teammates, cricket officials, and fans gathered to pay their final respects before he was laid to rest at Maranjan Hill in Kabul. His passing marked the end of a remarkable journey, but his contribution to Afghanistan cricket and his legacy as one of the country's pioneering fast bowlers will never be forgotten.

"Life won't be the same" — Afghanistan Cricket fraternity mourns Its pioneer fast bowler

As Afghanistan bid its final farewell to Shapoor Zadran, the emotional scenes reflected the huge impact he had on the country's cricketing journey. Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and several current and former players were seen in tears as they paid tribute to one of Afghanistan's pioneering fast bowlers. Their emotions highlighted the deep respect and bond they shared with their former teammate and friend.

Paying tribute to Zadran, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said, "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 heartfelt message reflected the lasting impact he made both on and off the field.

His funeral prayers were scheduled to be held at Eidgah Mosque in Kabul before he was laid to rest at Maranjan Hill. Members of the Afghanistan cricket community gathered to say their final goodbye to one of the country's most respected fast bowlers. Although Shapoor Zadran is no longer with them, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Afghan cricketers.