Pakistan national cricket team star Shaheen Afridi has been ruled out of the remainder of the Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL 2025-26) in Australia, where he was representing Brisbane Heat.
PCB recalls Shaheen Afridi from BBL, cancels NOC after knee injury scare
Afridi’s Big Bash League campaign has come to an abrupt end, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) taking a precautionary decision to recall their star pacer and canceling his No Objection Certificate (NOC) following concerns over his knee, keeping the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in mind.
Also read: PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi takes India’s side, supports no-handshake policy
The left-arm fast bowler is set to return to Pakistan immediately to begin the rehabilitation program at the PCB’s High-Performance Center in Lahore. The PCB medical staff reportedly suggested a structured rehabilitation at home to avoid the risk of further strain in the ongoing BBL 2025-26.
Shaheen’s rehabilitation roadmap and emotional farewell
Shaheen Afridi confirmed his departure on social media, thanking Brisbane Heat and their fans for their love and support. He promised to support the club off the field in the tournament.
Shaheen Afridi wrote on
Shaheen Afridi’s BBL stint with Brisbane Heat has been cut short due to a knee injury.#bbl15 pic.twitter.com/blbZAXoUJ5
– Circle of Cricket (@circleofcricket) 30 December 2025
His rehabilitation will begin in Lahore under the supervision of the PCB medical panel. The timeline for his return will be announced later, as he was not named in Pakistan’s squad for the T20I series in Sri Lanka, meaning he is likely to return directly for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Shaheen Afridi disappointed Brisbane Heat
Afridi’s departure is a big blow for the Heat, who have signed the Pakistani fast bowler as a key overseas player for the ongoing Big Bash League 2025-26. The club said they would announce Afridi’s replacement for the remainder of the season at a later date.
“Brisbane Heat have confirmed that Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will return home due to a knee injury. Afridi suffered a knee cartilage injury while fielding during the Heat’s final over victory over the Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba on Saturday night,” an official statement on the club’s website read.
Also read: Shaheen Afridi faked injury in BBL? Pacer leaves the field after being destroyed by Adelaide Strikers
“After consulting with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical staff over the past 24 hours, it has been agreed that Afridi will cut short his stint in the KFC Big Bash League to return home for further treatment ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.”
“We wish him all the best for his speedy recovery and his preparations for the T20 World Cup,” Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Swenson said.
pakistan fast bowler @iShaheenAfridi Will return home due to knee injury.
More https://t.co/mRHEgoGo8S
– Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) 30 December 2025
