Pakistan are confident that star fast bowler Shaheen Afridi will be fit in time for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on February 7. T20I captain Salman Ali Aga said the left-arm fast bowler is recovering well from a knee injury, giving hope that Pakistan will have their premier bowler available.
Afridi has returned home after suffering a knee injury while playing for Brisbane Heat in the BBL. The Pakistan Cricket Board recalled him for treatment and rehabilitation at its High Performance Center in Lahore. Shaheen took two wickets at an average of 76.50 in four matches for Brisbane.
Shaheen Afridi suffers knee injury in Big Bash League
Shaheen Shah Afridi suffered a knee injury while playing in the Big Bash League in Australia. The issue occurred during the match against the Adelaide Strikers, where he looked uncomfortable while fielding before leaving the field holding his knee.
Brisbane Heat ruled Afridi out of the tournament, following which the Pakistan Cricket Board recalled him home to manage his recovery under their supervision.
Afridi had a mixed performance before injury forced him off the field. He started well but later gave away 19 runs in an over against Italian cricketer Harry Manenti.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time that Shaheen Afridi has suffered a knee injury. He suffered a similar injury during a Test match in Galle in 2021, which kept him out of action for several months.
We hope Shaheen Afridi will be fit for the World Cup – Salman Ali Aga
Shaheen Afridi is a key figure in their white-ball plans, and his fitness is expected to have a big impact on their T20 World Cup campaign, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Speaking in Dambulla, Salman Ali Aga said the team is optimistic about Shaheen’s recovery. However, he said that the final decision on his availability will be taken by the Pakistan Cricket Board based on the advice of the medical team.
“We are hopeful that he will be fit for the World Cup, but the final decision will be taken by the (Pakistan Cricket) board on the advice of the medical panel,” Salman told the media in Dambulla.
This series will help the players a lot for the World Cup – Salman Ali Aga
Salman Ali Aga said that the team has prepared a well-balanced and competitive squad for the series against Sri Lanka. Salman said these matches are especially useful for players with limited experience in Sri Lanka, as Pakistan are scheduled to play all their World Cup games there.
Salman said, “This series will help the players a lot for the World Cup, especially those players who have not played much cricket in Sri Lanka.”
Pakistan has announced an experienced squad for the three-match T20 series against Sri Lanka, which includes only one new face. Khawaja Nafey is the only uncapped player in the lineup.
Shadab Khan is back in the national team after being out for eight months following shoulder surgery. The selectors recalled him after his encouraging performances in the Big Bash League, adding experience and balance to the Pakistan team.
Also read: Mohsin Naqvi is completely anti-India, also dragged Pakistan into Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup controversy.
