NEW DELHI: There were tears, and sad scenes as Afghanistan cricket bid an emotional farewell to the former fast bowler Shapoor Zadran. Star spinner Rashid Khanwicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah GurbazIbrahim Zadran and other Afghanistan cricketers were seen breaking down as they paid their last respects to their former teammate, whose death has left the country’s cricket fraternity in mourning.The former Afghanistan fast bowler died in India on Tuesday after a prolonged 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, is 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 damage to the bone marrow, liver, spleen. He was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) since May.His health problems started 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 often travels between Dubai and New Delhi to accompany Zadran during his treatment. Rashid Khan and many other Afghanistan cricketers remain in regular contact with his doctors and family. Although he initially showed signs of recovery, his condition later worsened due to repeated infections, dengue and a significant decrease in his red blood cells.Paying tribute, the Afghanistan Cricket Board said. “Throughout his career, Shapoor has 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 is a true source of inspiration for many young Afghan cricketers and for cricket followers around the world. His fighting spirit, determination, and love for the game gives hope to many and inspires a generation to dream bigger and believe in the future of Afghanistan cricket.”“The Afghanistan Cricket Board extends its heartfelt condolences and heartfelt 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.