Former Afghanistan pacer Shapoor Zadran is battling a serious health issue and is being currently treated in intensive care unit in India, reports said.
According to updates shared by his family and reported in the media, Zadran was hospitalised after his white blood cell count dropped sharply. This was linked to complications from an earlier spinal surgery. Doctors have said his condition is very serious, but he is now under close monitoring and receiving specialised treatment. The Afghanistan Cricket Board is also helping cover his medical expenses.
The news has led to an outpouring of support from the cricketing world. Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi shared an emotional message on X after speaking to Zadran’s family.
“Had a heartfelt call with Shapoor Zadran’s brother today. Truly saddened to hear about his condition. You’ve always been a fighter on the field, and I know you’ll fight this too. Praying for your speedy recovery,” Afridi wrote on X.
Several other cricketers, including Rashid Khan and Umar Akmal, have also extended their support for the former pacer and his family.
Zadran retired from international cricket in January 2025 after playing for more than a decade. A left-arm fast bowler, he was one of the key players during Afghanistan’s early rise in world cricket.
He made his international debut in 2009 and went on to play 44 ODIs and 36 T20Is for Afghanistan, taking a total of 80 wickets. One of his most memorable moments came in the 2015 World Cup, when he scored the winning runs against Scotland to give Afghanistan their first-ever win in the tournament.
