Shapoor Zadran Battles Rare Life-Threatening Illness in Delhi Hospital

Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran is undergoing intensive medical treatment in New Delhi after being diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening condition, sparking concern across the cricketing world.

The 38-year-old has been diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a severe disorder in which the body’s immune system becomes hyperactive, leading to extreme inflammation and potential damage to multiple organs. The illness is considered critical and requires urgent, specialised treatment.

Zadran reportedly began experiencing health complications in late 2025 and was advised to seek advanced medical care outside Afghanistan. He travelled to India earlier this year and initially showed signs of improvement. However, his condition worsened again in recent weeks, leading to his admission to the intensive care unit of a Delhi hospital, where he is currently under close observation.

Medical complications have further aggravated his condition. Reports indicate that he has developed multiple infections due to a severely weakened immune system. Among these are tuberculosis and a brain infection, both of which have added to the complexity of his treatment. In addition, he is said to have contracted dengue, further straining his already fragile health.

Family members have described his situation as critical, noting that his immunity has been significantly compromised. Despite receiving treatment and being discharged earlier, he suffered a relapse shortly afterward, underscoring the aggressive nature of the disease and the challenges involved in managing it.

Zadran is regarded as one of Afghanistan’s pioneering cricketers, having played a key role in the country’s emergence on the international stage. Representing Afghanistan from 2009 to 2020, he featured in both One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals, picking up 80 wickets across formats. He was also part of the squad that secured Afghanistan’s historic first win at the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup.