Rashid Khan Spotted Crying As He Attends Shapoor Zadran’s Funeral Along With Afghanistan Teammates, Video Goes Viral
Rashid Khan was seen weeping inconsolably at the funeral of former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran in Kabul today, July 9, 2026. Zadran, 38, passed away on July 7 after battling Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare immune system disorder, prompting an emotional farewell from his teammates, including Mohammad Nabi.
Star leg-spinner Rashid Khan, along with several current and former Afghanistan teammates, was overcome with emotion today, Thursday, July 9, 2026, as they gathered in Kabul for the funeral of pioneering fast bowler Shapoor Zadran. Heartbreaking videos and images circulating online show Khan, known for his usually stoic demeanor, openly weeping while paying his final respects to his departed colleague, whose sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the global cricketing fraternity. Shapoor Zadran Dies: Former Afghanistan Pacer Passes Away After Prolonged Illness.
Rashid Khan Emotional Moment
Rashid Khan's tears say everything. Losing a friend and teammate like Shapoor Zadran is a pain beyond words.
Rest in peace, Champ. 💔😭 pic.twitter.com/CBMSqrOBIh
— Fazal Afghan (@fhzadran) July 8, 2026
Shapoor Zadran, a foundational figure in Afghanistan's remarkable cricketing journey, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the age of 38. He had been battling Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and aggressive immune system disorder, at a hospital in New Delhi, India.
A Nation Mourns a Hero
Zadran's mortal remains arrived in Kabul on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, a day that would have marked his 39th birthday, adding another layer of sorrow to the tragic event. The funeral prayer (Janaza prayer) was held this morning at 10:00 AM local time at the historic Eidgah Mosque in Kabul, followed by burial at the Maranjan Hill cemetery.
The solemn procession saw an outpouring of grief from Afghanistan's cricketing community. Alongside Rashid Khan, prominent figures such as former captain Mohammad Nabi, Raees Ahmadzai, Karim Khan Sadiq, Nawroz Mangal, and Dawlat Khan Ahmadzai were present, struggling to hold back tears as they honored a player who significantly contributed to the nation's cricketing rise. "Life won't be the same without you. You will always hold a special place in my heart," Rashid Khan posted on social media earlier, a sentiment echoed by many. Shapoor Zadran Dies: A Look at Ex-Afghanistan Pacer's Career and Stats.
Shapoor Zadran: A Look Back at His Career
Shapoor Zadran was a left-arm fast-medium bowler who represented Afghanistan in 44 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 36 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) between 2009 and 2020. Known for his distinctive long hair, fiery pace, and passionate celebrations, Zadran took 43 ODI wickets and 37 T20I wickets in his international career. He was instrumental in Afghanistan's ascent from an emerging cricketing nation to a respected international side, playing a key role in their historic first ICC Men's Cricket World Cup victory in 2015 against Scotland, where he was the team's leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps. He retired from international cricket in 2025.
His passing has left a profound void in Afghan cricket, serving as a reminder of his immense impact both on and off the field. The emotional farewell underscores the deep bonds within the Afghan cricketing fraternity and the respect Zadran commanded.
The outpouring of tributes from players, officials, and fans highlights the legacy of a cricketer who not only achieved personal milestones but also inspired a generation to pursue their dreams in the sport. Zadran's fighting spirit and dedication will continue to be remembered by all who followed his journey.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 09, 2026 10:24 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
