KABUL, July 9, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Thousands of fans attended a Kabul funeral Thursday for Afghan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran, who helped shape the country's early rise in international cricket.

Zadran died Tuesday -- a day before his 39th birthday -- at a hospital in India, where he was being treated for a rare immune system disorder.

Some of Afghanistan's biggest cricket stars, including Mohammad Nabi and Fazal Haq Farooqi, attended the funeral at the Eid Gah mosque in central Kabul.

Several Taliban officials were also present.

"When I saw on social media that Shapoor isn't anymore among us, tears starting dropping from my eyes," said Wahidullah Wahdat, a 27-year-old businessman who attended.

Zadran, a pin-up idol with flowing long hair, was a "humble and loyal person", Wahdat added.

Mohammad Usman Maftoon, 18, called Zadran's death "a big loss for the nation".

Afghanistan's cricket board hailed Zadran as a "foundation-laying figure" of the country's sport, whose dedication and commitment helped propel the national team to the international stage.

A strapping left-arm quick, Zadran played 44 one-day internationals and 36 Twenty20 matches between 2009 and 2020, representing Afghanistan during a period of rapid growth for the sport in the country.

He featured in four T20 World Cups between 2010 and 2016, taking nine wickets in as many matches.

"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 cricket board said.