Former Afghanistan cricketer Shapoor Zadran battles life-threatening disease | Cricket News
Former Afghan Cricketer Shapoor Zadran Undergoing Treatment for Rare Immune Disorder
Former Afghanistan cricketer Shapoor Zadran is currently receiving treatment for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening immune system disorder, at a hospital in New Delhi, India.
Zadran, who was admitted to the facility in January, has been placed in the intensive care unit due to an advanced form of the condition, according to reports from ESPNcricinfo. The severity of his illness was highlighted by his brother, Ghamai Zadran, who described a serious infection affecting Zadran’s entire body, including indications of tuberculosis. MRI and CT scans revealed that the infection had also spread to his brain.
Initially responding to treatment, Zadran was discharged and moved to a nearby hotel. However, Ghamai Zadran noted that his brother’s health deteriorated again, necessitating a second hospitalization.
HLH is characterized by an overactive immune response that can lead to severe organ damage. While it primarily affects infants and young children, various conditions in adults, such as infections and cancer, can trigger the disorder. Despite its increasing incidence, HLH often remains underdiagnosed, as noted by Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Zadran, 38, began experiencing health issues while in Afghanistan in October and was subsequently referred to Indian hospitals for treatment alongside his wife and former Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan.
Having made strides in his recovery after initial hospital treatment, Zadran faced setbacks as his symptoms returned. HLH causes the immune system to malfunction, with certain white blood cells attacking healthy blood cells and resulting in the enlargement of the spleen and liver.
Between 2009 and 2020, Zadran represented Afghanistan in 43 one-day internationals and 37 T20 internationals, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s emergence as a strong associate member of the International Cricket Council. He participated in Afghanistan’s inaugural appearance at the ODI Cricket World Cup in 2015, where he took ten wickets across six matches.
Though Afghanistan gained Test status in 2017, Zadran did not compete in the longest format of the game. Notable for his imposing stature, long hair, and aggressive bowling style, Zadran became a fan favorite, celebrated for his enthusiastic on-field demeanor.
Originally from Afghanistan, Zadran spent many years as a refugee in Pakistan’s Peshawar before returning to his home country in the early 2000s. Recently, social media posts revealed that T20I captain Rashid Khan visited Zadran in the hospital, reflecting the support from the cricket community.
The news of Zadran’s illness has prompted an outpouring of support from international cricket figures. Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi expressed his sorrow, stating on social media, “You’ve always been a fighter on the field, and I know you’ll fight this too.”
