Afghanistan Pacer Shapoor Zadran Critical With Stage Four HLH, Under Treatment in India

 Former Afghanistan left-arm fast bowler Shapoor Zadran is battling for life in a New Delhi hospital after being diagnosed with an advanced stage of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening condition that disrupts the immune system.

Zadran, who will turn 39 in July, is currently admitted in the intensive care unit after his condition worsened following multiple infections, including tuberculosis and dengue, amid severely weakened immunity.

The development marks a critical phase in his prolonged medical struggle that began in October last year, when he first reported symptoms in Afghanistan before being advised to seek treatment in India.

Zadran travelled to New Delhi on January 18 after his visa was fast-tracked with support from Afghanistan’s cricketing network, including Rashid Khan and Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman Mirwais Ashraf, who reached out to contacts in India.

Standing at 6’2” and known for his distinctive flowing hair, Zadran was a prominent figure in Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket, representing the country in 80 matches, including 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is, between 2009 and 2020.

According to his younger brother, Ghamai Zadran, the illness rapidly escalated due to severe infections affecting multiple organs. “His whole body was full of infection including TB, and it spread to his brain,” he said, citing MRI and CT scan findings.

After initial treatment in Delhi, Zadran showed signs of recovery and was discharged, staying at a nearby hotel with periodic hospital visits. However, his condition deteriorated again after reinfection, leading to repeated hospital admissions.

A major setback came when he tested positive for dengue, further weakening his immune system as his red blood cell count dropped sharply. A bone marrow test conducted around March 26 confirmed Stage Four HLH, significantly complicating his condition.

Doctors have since initiated steroid-based treatment, which has shown limited signs of response, offering some hope to the family.

Zadran has lost approximately 14 kilograms during the course of his illness and is currently in a fragile state, with limited ability to speak and prolonged periods of sleep, according to family members.

The Afghanistan cricket community has extended widespread support during the crisis. Former captain Asghar Afghan has remained closely involved, accompanying Zadran to India and frequently visiting him in hospital.

Several players and officials have also reached out, including Afghanistan ODI captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and spinner AM Ghazanfar, who visited him earlier this month while in Delhi for the IPL.

Support has also come from beyond Afghanistan, with former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi among those who have contacted the family. Former Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai is also expected to speak with Zadran.

Zadran, the eldest among ten siblings, has long been considered the head of his family. His brother expressed cautious optimism about his recovery.

“We have hope that he will improve day by day,” Ghamai said. “The steroids he has been given recently seem to be working and that has given us hope.”

The case highlights the severity of HLH, a condition more commonly seen in children but which can affect adults with underlying vulnerabilities, often leading to widespread inflammation and organ damage. [KNT]