Afghan Pace Legend Shapoor Zadran Fights for Life in Delhi Against Rare Disease
In the 2012 T20 World Cup, India faced Afghanistan in their opening match, fresh off a historic ODI World Cup win in 2011. The Indian team, boasting stars like Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag, was brimming with confidence. Afghanistan, in only their second World Cup appearance, was still navigating the challenges of ICC events.
A Memorable Spell That Shook Indian Openers
Afghanistan's captain Nawroz Mangal won the toss and elected to field. Facing the 6 ft 2.5 inch left-arm pacer Shapoor Zadran proved a formidable task for the Indian openers. In a blistering opening spell, Zadran dismissed Gambhir for 10 runs and Sehwag for 8, leaving an indelible mark on the match and the memories of cricket fans.
Today, that same fierce bowler is fighting a different kind of battle. Shapoor Zadran, who will turn 39 in July, is bed-ridden in a New Delhi hospital, grappling with a rare and life-threatening condition known as Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).
Understanding the Rare and Severe HLH Condition
HLH is a critical disorder where the immune system turns against the body, attacking healthy tissues and organs instead of protecting them. This leads to hyper-inflammation and severe damage to vital organs like the bone marrow, liver, and spleen. While it predominantly affects children, adults with severe infections can also be susceptible.
Shapoor first felt unwell in October last year. Initially diagnosed with tuberculosis and a full-body infection, further tests revealed the more sinister stage four HLH. His younger brother, Ghamai Zadran, shared, "He’s fighting very hard, just like he did in cricket. He never complains about pain or difficulty."
Journey to India for Advanced Medical Treatment
As his condition worsened, medical professionals in Kabul unanimously advised seeking treatment in India. Ghamai explained, "Our doctor in Afghanistan advised us to come to India. Everyone said the treatment here is very good, and the whole world knows that India has some of the best medical care. That’s why we came."
With support from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) chairman Mirwais Ashraf and cricketer Rashid Khan, who used his network to fast-track the process, Shapoor arrived in India on January 18. He was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit of a hospital in New Delhi.
Family and Cricket Fraternity Rally in Support
The Zadran family, traveling from around the world, has found solace in the medical care provided. Ghamai, who resides in Canada, noted, "Honestly, it is even better than we expected. His doctor calls him a 'hero' and a 'legend'. The doctor is very experienced, the staff is excellent, and the hospital is great. They’re taking really good care of him. We’re very thankful."
The Afghan cricket team has shown unwavering support, embodying a deep brotherhood. Former captain Asghar Afghan spent a week at the hospital to assist physically and continues to visit regularly. Players like Raees Ahmadzai, Nawroz Mangal, and Mohammad Nabi maintain constant contact.
During the World Cup, Rashid Khan and other teammates visited Shapoor. Even Afghanistan’s former President Hamid Karzai called to offer support. Ghamai emphasized, "Alhamdulillah, our family is financially strong. We don’t need money. We don’t need financial support, just prayers. That’s all we need, prayers."
A Slow Battle with Small Improvements
Shapoor, now a successful businessman in Kabul running a company manufacturing home accessories, faces the longest match of his life. His condition remains serious, with only small improvements observed. He talks very little due to low energy, but his fighting spirit remains intact.
Ghamai concluded, "He just says, 'I’ve fought all my life, and I’ll fight this illness too.'" The cricket world watches and prays as this once-spearhead of Afghanistan's pace attack continues his courageous battle against a rare disease.
