Former Afghanistan Pacer Shapoor Zadran Battles Rare Immune Disorder in New Delhi Hospital
Former Afghanistan left-arm fast bowler Shapoor Zadran is currently in critical condition at a New Delhi hospital. The cricketer is undergoing intensive treatment for Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and severe immune system disorder. His family has issued an urgent public appeal for blood donations to support his medical care.
Urgent Appeal for Blood Donations
On Wednesday, Shapoor’s younger brother, Ghamai Zadran, utilized social media to request immediate assistance from the public in New Delhi. Ghamai confirmed that the former international cricketer requires continuous medical support and specific blood type donations.
- Patient: Shapoor Zadran
- Location: New Delhi, India
- Blood Type Required: A Positive (A+)
- Condition: Stage 4 Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)
According to the family, Shapoor initially experienced health issues in October. Following consultations in Kabul, medical professionals advised transferring him to India for specialized care. He arrived in Delhi on January 18 and was admitted directly to the intensive care unit.
Understanding Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)
HLH is a life-threatening condition where the body produces excessive activated immune cells, specifically macrophages and lymphocytes. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, this overactivation causes the immune system to attack healthy tissues. This frequently results in severe inflammation and damage to organs including the liver and spleen, along with the bone marrow.
Cricket Fraternity Offers Support
Shapoor Zadran remains a recognized figure in international cricket, known for his long run-up and aggressive bowling pace. He secured his place in Afghanistan cricket history by hitting the winning runs against Scotland in the 2015 International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s World Cup, marking the nation’s first-ever victory in the tournament.
Former teammates and current Afghanistan stars, including Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, are in direct contact with the Zadran family to monitor his progress and offer support.
Shapoor Zadran International Career Statistics
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Day Internationals (ODI) | 44 | 43 | 4/24 | 5.85 |
| Twenty20 Internationals (T20I) | 47 | 49 | 4/28 | 7.46 |
Data sourced from ESPN Cricinfo.
Ghamai Zadran noted that despite the severity of the illness, Shapoor maintains the same resilience he demonstrated throughout his sports career. Medical teams in New Delhi continue to monitor his condition closely in the intensive care unit.