Afghan cricketer Shapoor Zadran battles stage-4 HLH, urgent appeal for A-positive blood
Synopsis
Former Afghanistan pacer Shapoor Zadran faces a life-or-death struggle with stage-4 HLH, complicated by a dengue infection that has left him critically dependent on blood transfusions. His family's urgent appeal for A-positive donors underscores the rarity and severity of his condition — a stark reminder of how quickly an athlete's fortunes can reverse.
Key Takeaways
Shapoor Zadran , former Afghanistan pace bowler, is in ICU in New Delhi battling stage-4 Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) .
The 30-year-old played 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is for Afghanistan between 2009–2020 .
He contracted dengue while already fighting HLH, severely compromising his red blood cell count and immunity.
Family has launched an urgent appeal for A-positive blood donors to support his recovery.
He was admitted to hospital on 18 January 2025 after initial symptoms in October 2024 ; bone marrow test in late March confirmed stage-4 diagnosis.
Shapoor Zadran, the former Afghanistan pace bowler who represented his nation in 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is between 2009 and 2020, is fighting a critical battle against Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening immune disorder. The 30-year-old is currently admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) in New Delhi at stage four of the condition and his family has launched an urgent appeal for A-positive blood donors to support his recovery.
HLH is characterised by severe hyper-inflammation that damages vital tissues including the bone marrow, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. Zadran's condition deteriorated significantly after he contracted dengue while already battling the underlying immune disorder, further compromising his red blood cell count and overall vitality.
Timeline of deterioration
Shapoor first experienced symptoms in October 2024 and was advised to seek specialised treatment in India. With support from fellow Afghanistan cricketer Rashid Khan and Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) chairman Mirwais Ashraf, his visa was expedited, and he was admitted to hospital on 18 January 2025. A bone marrow test in late March confirmed stage four HLH.
Recent setback and current status
According to his younger brother Ghamai Zadran, the former cricketer showed signs of improvement for approximately 20 days following his initial diagnosis. However, he subsequently developed a fever and tested positive for dengue, complications that strained his already weakened immune system. Notably, his red blood cell count had become severely depleted, leaving him with minimal physical resilience.
Family's emotional plea
Ghamai Zadran shared an emotional appeal on Instagram, describing his brother as a national hero and urging blood donors to come forward.
Point of View
Even those who have represented their countries internationally.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and why is it dangerous?
HLH is a rare, life-threatening immune disorder characterised by severe hyper-inflammation that damages vital tissues including bone marrow, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. It causes the immune system to overreact, leading to tissue destruction and, without treatment, can be fatal. Shapoor Zadran is fighting stage-4 HLH, the most advanced stage.
When was Shapoor Zadran admitted to hospital and what triggered his condition?
Shapoor first felt unwell in October 2024 and was admitted to hospital in New Delhi on 18 January 2025 after visa fast-tracking. A bone marrow test in late March 2025 confirmed stage-4 HLH. He subsequently contracted dengue, which complicated his recovery due to his already compromised immunity.
Who is Shapoor Zadran and what is his cricket career?
Shapoor Zadran is a former Afghanistan pace bowler who represented his nation in 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is between 2009 and 2020. He is now 30 years old and is currently fighting HLH in a New Delhi hospital.
What blood type is urgently needed and how can donors help?
The family is urgently appealing for A-positive blood donors. Individuals interested in donating should contact the hospital in New Delhi where Shapoor is admitted, or reach out through his family's social media channels for specific donation details.
What is Shapoor Zadran's current condition and prognosis?
Shapoor is currently in ICU at stage-4 HLH with a severely depleted red blood cell count. According to his brother, steroids administered recently have shown positive effects, offering hope for gradual improvement. His recovery depends on blood transfusions and ongoing treatment to manage the hyper-inflammatory response.
