Former Afghanistan left-arm pacer Shapoor Zadran is currently battling for his life in a New Delhi hospital after being diagnosed with haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening condition that severely affects the immune system.
The 38-year-old is reportedly in an advanced stage of HLH and is undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU). The disease, more commonly seen in children, can also be said to impact adults with underlying vulnerabilities, leading to extreme
inflammation and damage to vital organs such as the liver, bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes.
Known for his towering over six-foot frame and notably flowing hair, Zadran was once a commanding presence with the ball for Afghanistan. However, he is now confined to a hospital bed, fighting a critical health battle.
Zadran, who represented Afghanistan in 80 international matches (44 ODIs and 36 T20Is) between 2009 and 2020, first began feeling unwell in October last year, according to his younger brother Ghamai Zadran. Following medical advice in Afghanistan, he travelled to India in January for advanced treatment.
His visa process was expedited with the support of Rashid Khanand Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman Mirwais Ashraf. Ashraf reportedly reached out to Jay Shah, while Rashid leveraged his IPL and franchise cricket connections. Zadran arrived in India on January 18 and was immediately hospitalised.
He was accompanied by his wife and former teammate Asghar Afghan, with his brother joining him from Canada later in the month. After initially responding well to treatment, Zadran was discharged and shifted to a nearby hotel. However, his condition deteriorated again within weeks, forcing another hospital admission.
“It was a very serious infection. His whole body was full of the infection including TB (tuberculosis). It also spread to his brain, which was revealed after MRI and CT scan. He was feeling good for about 20 days before he got the infection again. Then we admitted him to the hospital again,” Ghamai was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Although he was discharged once more after around 20 days, further complications arose. Zadran developed stomach issues, followed by fever, and later tested positive for dengue, which further weakened his already compromised immunity. Around March 26, during Ramadan, a bone marrow test confirmed that he had reached Stage Four of HLH.
Currently, Zadran remains in a critical condition, with limited speech and prolonged periods of sleep. He has also experienced significant weight loss, shedding nearly 14 kilograms since his hospitalisation. Many of the former Afghanistan cricketers have come in to support their former colleague in this tough time.
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