NEW DELHI: India’s campaign began with a statement game in the 2012 T20 World Cup. Coming off the confidence of a landmark ODI World Cup triumph in 2011, the team faced an Afghanistan side that was still learning the rhythm of ICC tournaments—this meeting marking Afghanistan’s second appearance at the World Cup. In that opening clash, India were captained by Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, with the Afghan skipper Nawroz Mangal deciding to send India in first after winning the toss.
Remembering the opening spell that dismantled India
For India’s opening pair, the task was always going to be difficult against a pace bowler with unusual height and pace—Shapoor Zadran, listed at 6 ft 2.5 inches. Even years later, Gambhir and Sehwag still recall the impact of Zadran’s early World Cup burst, when he struck in the first overstages to dismantle them. In that tournament opener, he reduced the pair to 10 and 8 runs, leaving a lasting impression from his first spell.
Zadran’s condition today: rare and life-threatening illness
That same left-arm pacer who once strode in with flowing hair and a menacing angle is now fighting a battle away from the cricket field. Shapoor, who is set to turn 39 this July, is currently battling Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). The illness is described as rare and life-threatening, with the immune system essentially turning on itself. Instead of shielding the body, it attacks healthy tissues and organs, triggering hyper-inflammation and causing severe harm to key organs, including the bone marrow, liver and spleen.
While HLH is more common in children, adults can also be affected, particularly those vulnerable to serious infections. Shapoor’s troubles began in October last year, initially presenting as tuberculosis and a widespread infection. What followed, however, revealed the more severe stage four form of HLH.
How the move to India was arranged, and the support around him
As Shapoor’s condition deteriorated, medical advice in Kabul became unified: the family was urged to get him treated in India. Speaking during an exclusive conversation, his younger brother Ghamai Zadran said the doctor in Afghanistan recommended the shift, noting that treatment in India is highly regarded and that the country is known for some of the best medical care worldwide.
Getting Shapoor to the right medical facility was a coordinated effort. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) chairman Mirwais Ashraf and cricketer Rashid Khan used their networks to speed up the process. Shapoor reached India on January 18 and was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit of a hospital in New Delhi.
A family comforted by care, but not by money
For the Zadran family—who travelled from different parts of the world to stay close—India’s medical support has brought relief. Ghamai, who lives in Canada, shared that the care has exceeded expectations. He said Shapoor’s doctor has described him as a “hero” and a “legend”, adding that the medical team is experienced, the staff is excellent, and the hospital has been providing excellent attention.
- Ghamai said Shapoor’s doctor calls him a “hero” and a “legend”.
- He added that the staff and hospital facilities have been “excellent” and the family feels they are being looked after well.
- The family expressed gratitude for the care they have received in India.
Cricket bonds: players and even leaders check in
Cricket may be called a gentleman’s game, but in Afghanistan’s case, the bond is shaped by shared struggle. The support for Shapoor has been described as immediate and personal. Former captain Asghar Afghan not only called but visited the hospital for a week to help physically, and even now he checks in every few days.
Ghamai also noted that teammates and senior figures have been reaching out consistently. He mentioned Raees Ahmadzai, Nawroz Mangal and Mohammad Nabi calling, and recalled that during the World Cup Rashid Khan and other players came to visit. He added that Rashid remains in close contact. When Mumbai and Delhi played each other in an IPL match, Allah Ghazanfar—who is playing for Mumbai Indians—visited twice, and even offered to help arrange a shift to Ambani Hospital if the need arose. On a particularly high-profile day, Afghanistan’s former President Hamid Karzai called as well.
- Asghar Afghan visited the hospital for a week and continues to check on Shapoor every few days.
- Raees Ahmadzai, Nawroz Mangal and Mohammad Nabi have been calling.
- During the World Cup, Rashid Khan and other players visited; Rashid continues to stay in touch.
- Allah Ghazanfar (Mumbai Indians) visited twice during a Mumbai vs Delhi IPL match and offered possible transfer help to Ambani Hospital.
- Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai called to speak with the family.
Despite the attention and offers of assistance, the Zadran family is firm about not seeking money. Ghamai emphasized that the family is financially strong, and that what they need most are prayers rather than financial support.
- Ghamai said the family does not need money or financial assistance.
- He stressed that prayers are what the family seeks most.
A slow recovery, and the fighting spirit that remains
Shapoor is a successful businessman in Kabul, running a large company that manufactures door, window and other home accessories. His recovery, however, is described as slow. Small improvements have been seen, but the situation remains serious.
Once the spearhead of Afghanistan’s pace attack, Shapoor now finds himself in what is being described as the longest match of his life. He speaks very little and doesn’t have the energy for long conversations, yet the same determination that helped him dismiss world-class openers in 2012 is still present. In the way he approaches his illness, he continues to show the same resolve, with Ghamai concluding that Shapoor keeps fighting and does not complain about pain or difficulty. The message he shares, according to Ghamai, is that he has battled throughout his life and will fight this illness as well.
- Shapoor is described as a businessman in Kabul running a door/window and home accessories manufacturing company.
- The recovery is slow with small improvements, but the condition is still serious.
- He talks very little and has limited energy for long conversations.
- Ghamai said Shapoor remains determined and does not complain about pain or difficulty.
- His reported message is that he will fight the illness the same way he has fought throughout his life.
