NEW DELHI: Shapoor Zadran, one of the pioneers of Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket, is currently fighting for his life in a hospital in New Delhi as his family makes an urgent appeal for blood donation.The former left-arm pacemaker suffers from hemophagocytic lymphocytic lymphocytosis (HLH), a rare and life-threatening immune disorder.On Wednesday, Ghamai’s younger brother Zadran shared an emotional message on Instagram asking for help for the former Afghan star.“My brother, national hero Shapoor Zadran, is currently in a worrying health condition,” Ghamai wrote. “With your prayers, we stand by our national hero. Due to scarcity and urgent need, he is in dire need of blood.”“If any friends are staying in New Delhi, India and have positive blood group A (+A), please don’t hesitate to donate this to our national hero.” The condition causes the body’s immune system to attack healthy organs and tissues, leading to severe inflammation and damage to the bone marrow, liver and spleen. According to the family, Shapoor first fell ill last October before doctors later diagnosed him with stage four HLH.After a medical consultation in Kabul, the family brought Shapoor to India for specialized treatment earlier this year. He reached Delhi on January 18 and was immediately admitted to intensive care.“Our doctor in Afghanistan advised us to come to India. Everyone said the treatment here is very good,” Ghamai told TimesofIndia.com earlier.The Afghan cricket fraternity has since rallied around the former pacer. Cricketers like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Asghar Afghan remained in close touch with the family.Despite his serious condition, Ghamai said his brother continues to show the same fighting spirit he displayed on the field.“He fights very hard, just like in cricket. He never complains about pain or trouble,” he added.
