Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran, now 36 years old, is currently going through the toughest phase of his life, battling a rare and life-threatening illness called Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).
Once known for his fiery spells and passion on the cricket field, Shapoor is now in a hospital in New Delhi, India, where he has been undergoing intensive treatment for several months as doctors try to stabilize his condition. His health issues began around late 2025, when he first started experiencing symptoms in Afghanistan. What initially seemed like a manageable illness quickly escalated into something far more serious. Doctors advised urgent treatment abroad, and he was moved to India earlier in 2026. Since then, his condition has remained critical, with periods of slight improvement followed by setbacks. Over the past five to six months, his illness has become increasingly complex, making recovery a difficult and uncertain process.
One of the major challenges in Shapoor’s case has been the combination of HLH with multiple infections. During his treatment, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis, which in some reports had spread and affected his body significantly. Later, he also contracted dengue, further weakening his already fragile immune system. These infections are not just complications – they can actually trigger or worsen HLH, creating a dangerous cycle where the immune system becomes even more aggressive and damaging.
So what exactly is HLH? In simple terms, it is a condition where the body’s immune system goes into overdrive. Normally, the immune system fights infections and protects the body, but in HLH, it becomes hyperactive and starts attacking healthy cells and tissues. This leads to widespread inflammation, damage to vital organs like the liver and brain, and serious problems in the bone marrow, where blood cells are produced. Patients often experience high fevers, extreme fatigue, low blood cell counts, and organ dysfunction.
HLH is considered rare, especially in adults, and it is notoriously difficult to diagnose early because its symptoms resemble those of other diseases. By the time it is confirmed – often through complex tests like bone marrow examinations – it may already be in an advanced stage. In severe cases, like Shapoor’s, it can become life-threatening, with a high risk of complications due to organ failure or overwhelming infections.
Treatment for HLH is aggressive and time-sensitive. Doctors typically use strong medications such as steroids and immune-suppressing drugs to calm the overactive immune system. At the same time, they must treat any underlying infections, which in Shapoor’s case has made the process even more complicated. Recovery depends on how well the body responds to treatment, and even with the best care, the outcome can be uncertain.
Amid this crisis, the support Shapoor has received from the cricketing world has been remarkable. Afghan cricket stars like Rashid Khan and Asghar Afghan have been at the forefront of helping him. They have played a key role in arranging medical treatment, coordinating logistics, and ensuring he gets access to proper healthcare facilities in India.
Beyond Afghanistan, the global cricket community has also come together in support. Players, fans, and cricket organizations from different countries including Pakistan have sent messages of encouragement, prayers, and solidarity. Social media has been filled with tributes and well-wishes, reflecting the respect Shapoor earned during his playing career. Many remember him not just as a cricketer, but as one of the early figures who helped put Afghanistan on the international cricket map.
At present, he remains under close medical supervision in New Delhi. There have been small signs of response to treatment, but his condition is still described as critical. Doctors continue to monitor him closely, adjusting treatments as needed in the hope that his immune system can be brought under control.
Sources: ESPN, Medscape, and NEJM.
