KEY POINTS
- Shaheen Afridi was recalled from Big Bash League for rehab.
- PCB is prioritising Afridi’s fitness ahead of T20 World Cup.
LAHORE, Pakistan: In a significant relief for Pakistan’s T20 World Cup preparations, spearhead fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has confirmed that his latest knee injury is ‘not as serious’ as previous setbacks and expects to resume bowling next week, putting him firmly on course for next month’s global tournament.
The left-arm pacer was recalled from his stint with the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) at the start of the year after hurting his right knee.
With the World Cup looming, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) opted for a cautious approach, initiating immediate rehabilitation in Lahore.
Optimistic recovery timeline
Speaking at a Lahore Qalandars talent hunt event, Afridi provided an optimistic update on his condition, significantly downplaying initial concerns.
“My rehab is ongoing, with the PCB team monitoring it,” Afridi told reporters. “I’m doing gym work and working on my batting at the moment. I’ll start bowling next week.”
He clarified the nature of the injury, contrasting it with more severe past issues. “It’s not as serious as it was last time. There’s a bit of swelling on the bone. The MRI report wasn’t that [concerning], this might not take a month. It’s more like a week.”
History of knee troubles
Afridi’s reference to ‘last time’ points to a major posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury to the same knee sustained in Sri Lanka in July 2022.
That injury led to a complicated and protracted rehabilitation, forcing him to miss nearly six months of cricket, including the early stages of that year’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
His rushed return saw him re-injure himself during the final against England at a critical juncture, severely hampering Pakistan’s defence.
Strong national form
Afridi’s BBL campaign was brief and underwhelming on the field. In four matches for the Heat, he conceded 11.19 runs per over and took only two wickets.
His debut was notably marred when he was removed from the attack for bowling two consecutive waist-high full tosses, deemed dangerous by the umpires.
However, his form in Pakistan colours has been markedly better.
In T20Is last year, he finished as the team’s third-highest wicket-taker behind spinners Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed, reinforcing his indispensable role in the national setup.
With Pakistan currently playing a white-ball series in Sri Lanka, the co-host nation for all of Pakistan’s World Cup matches, Afridi expressed hope that the tour would serve as valuable preparation.
“Anytime you go to a country before a tournament and play some games there, it helps the players,” he said.
The news of his swift expected return will bolster Pakistan’s campaign, as a fit and firing Shaheen Afridi remains central to their aspirations of lifting the T20 World Cup trophy.
