Shapoor Zadran in a Life-and-Death Battle, Former Afghan Pacer in ICU with Rare Disease

Former Afghanistan left-arm fast bowler Shapoor Zadran is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in New Delhi, India, in critical condition. He is battling for his life in the ICU after being diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening disease.

The 38-year-old cricketer, who will turn 39 this July, has been receiving treatment in Delhi since January. According to doctors, he is in Stage Four of HLH, which is highly complex and risky. In this condition, the body’s immune system becomes overactive and starts damaging its own tissues and organs, particularly the bone marrow, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes.

Shapoor first felt unwell in October last year. Initially, a severe infection was detected, which later spread throughout his body, even affecting his brain. Medical tests also revealed tuberculosis (TB), and later dengue, further weakening his already compromised immune system. A bone marrow test conducted at the end of March confirmed that he had reached the advanced stage of HLH.

Several prominent figures in Afghanistan cricket played key roles in expediting his visa to India for urgent treatment. Rashid Khan and Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman Mirwais Ashraf helped accelerate the process, while ICC chairman Jay Shah was also contacted.

Shapoor has been accompanied by his wife, family members, and former teammate Asghar Afghan, who has been taking care of him regularly. His brother Ghamai Zadran also joined him from Canada.

Between 2009 and 2020, Shapoor represented Afghanistan in 80 international matches, including 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, he was known for his long hair and commanding presence on the field.

Currently, Shapoor remains extremely weak. He speaks very little and spends most of his time sleeping. During his second hospital admission, his weight was around 98 kg, which has now dropped to approximately 84 kg.

However, his family has reported some positive response to recent steroid treatment, offering a glimmer of hope. Cricketers from Afghanistan and around the world have been regularly checking on his condition and expressing their support.

Despite the severity of his condition, his family remains hopeful that Shapoor Zadran will gradually recover.