“It was a very serious infection,” said Ghamai Zadran, reflecting on his brother’s condition.
Shapoor Zadran is battling Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare immune system disorder. He has been in the intensive care unit (ICU) in New Delhi since January 2026. The 38-year-old cricketer first felt unwell in October 2025 while in Afghanistan. His symptoms worsened, leading to his admission to a hospital for urgent treatment.
During his career, Zadran played 44 one-day internationals (ODIs) and 36 T20 internationals (T20Is) for Afghanistan from 2009 to 2020. He was part of Afghanistan’s squad during their ODI Cricket World Cup debut in 2015, where he played six matches. His contributions helped elevate Afghanistan’s status in international cricket.
But now, his health is critical. Complications from tuberculosis have spread to his brain. Ghamai Zadran noted that his brother’s whole body was affected by the infection. Since being admitted to the hospital, Shapoor has lost about 14 kilograms—a significant decline in weight that raises concerns.
The cricket community has rallied around Zadran during this difficult time. Notable figures like Shahid Afridi have expressed their support. “You’ve always been a fighter on the field, and I know you’ll fight this too,” Afridi stated, highlighting the resilience that Zadran has shown throughout his career.
Ghamai remains hopeful despite the dire situation. “We have hope that he will improve day by day,” he said. His brother’s strength and the support from fans and fellow cricketers provide some solace amid the uncertainty.
Zadran’s condition remains critical despite ongoing medical efforts to stabilize him. The next steps in his treatment remain unclear as doctors continue to assess his health.