Afghan Cricketer Shapoor Zadran Diagnosed with Life-Threatening Disease

Afghanistan Cricketer Zadran Undergoing Treatment for Rare Immune Disorder in India

Shapoor Zadran, a former Afghanistan cricketer, is receiving medical treatment at a hospital in New Delhi, India, for a rare immune system disorder known as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). According to reports, Zadran was admitted to the hospital in January and has been placed in the intensive care unit (ICU) due to an advanced form of HLH.

Zadran’s brother, Ghamai Zadran, stated that his brother initially suffered from a severe infection, including tuberculosis, which spread to his brain after undergoing MRI and CT scans. However, he reported that Zadran began responding to treatment and was discharged from the hospital for a short period before being readmitted due to recurring symptoms.

HLH is a rare life-threatening disorder of immune regulation with a high mortality rate, typically affecting infants and young children. In adults, various conditions such as infections and cancer can cause HLH. The condition remains underdiagnosed despite an increasing incidence.

Zadran, 38 years old, was referred to hospitals in India for further treatment after initially feeling unwell in his home country in October. He arrived with his wife and former Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan but was discharged after initial treatment before being readmitted due to worsening symptoms.

The disorder weakens the body’s immune system by causing certain white blood cells to attack other blood cells, leading to enlarged spleen and liver. Zadran represented Afghanistan in international cricket between 2009 and 2020, playing 43 one-day internationals and 37 T20 internationals. He was a key player for the team during its formative years and made his debut at the ODI Cricket World Cup in 2015.

Several international cricketers have shown support for Zadran’s condition on social media, including former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, who expressed his sadness over Zadran’s illness.

Source: Al Jazeera