KEY POINTS
- Shaheen’s brief BBL stint was underwhelming, marked by poor figures and an on-field suspension.
- PCB is prioritising his fitness for the upcoming T20 World Cup, given his significant injury history.
- Former pacer warns that recurring knee issues could jeopardize his career and 2026 World Cup availability.
ISLAMABAD: In a significant blow to the Brisbane Heat and their fans, Pakistan fast-bowling spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi’s debut Big Bash League season has been cut short due to a knee injury, while Pakistan Cricket Board has recalled the 25-year-old from Australia to begin immediate rehabilitation, with a clear focus on ensuring his fitness for the ICC T20 World Cup in February-March, to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Injury Details and Heat’s Statement
Afridi appeared to sustain the injury to his right knee while bowling the 14th over of the Adelaide Strikers’ chase on December 27.
A statement from the Brisbane Heat indicated the pacer “will be further reviewed upon the team’s return from Adelaide,” where they play the Strikers on Wednesday, suggesting a return to Pakistan will follow that assessment.
The Heat are already managing other injury concerns, with Tom Alsop (knee) and Nathan McSweeney (ankle) having resumed training.
I’m massively thankful to the *Brisbane Heat* team and fans for showering me with immense love and support.💌
Due to an unexpected injury; I have been called back by the PCB and will have to take a rehab. Hopefully, I will be back in the fields soon. 🏏
Meanwhile, I will be… pic.twitter.com/jsSS2oYGP6
— Shaheen Afridi (@iShaheenAfridi) December 30, 2025
Brief and Turbulent BBL Stint
Afridi’s first BBL campaign was brief and challenging. He managed only four appearances, claiming just two wickets at an expensive economy rate of 11.19.
His debut match was notably marred by being removed from the attack after delivering two waist-high full-tosses in one over against the Melbourne Renegades.
ALSO READ: Shaheen Afridi Suffers Injury Scare in Big Bash League
Despite the on-field struggles, Afridi expressed gratitude to the franchise. “I’m massively thankful to the Brisbane Heat team and fans for showering me with immense love and support,” he wrote on social media.
“Due to an unexpected injury, I have been called back by the PCB and will have to take a rehab. Hopefully, I will be back in the field soon.”
PCB Acts with Caution Ahead of Global Tournament
The PCB’s decisive call to repatriate Afridi underscores the paramount importance of his fitness for the upcoming World Cup.
The left-arm quick has a concerning history with the same right knee, including a posterior cruciate ligament injury in 2022 that disrupted his previous T20 World Cup campaign.
Heat CEO Terry Svenson praised Afridi’s professionalism. “Despite his season not finishing the way he would have liked, he has been a thorough professional. I know our young bowlers in the squad have benefited greatly from his advice,” Svenson said.
Former Pacer Sounds Alarm On Shaheen’s Fitness
Meanwhile, former Pakistan bowler Abdur Rouf Khan has issued a stark warning regarding Shaheen Shah Afridi’s fitness, suggesting the star pacer could miss the 2026 T20 World Cup following his recent knee injury recall from Australia.
World Cup Context and Grave Warning
The tournament is scheduled for February-March 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan placed in Group A. In a detailed social media post, Rouf expressed deep concern over the recurring nature of Afridi’s injuries.
Pakistan likely to miss their premier fast bowler Shaheen Afridi from T20 world Cup 2026.
Shaheen immediately called back from Australia after having knee injury.
He already suffered from an ACL tear that left very bad impact on his bowling, he cut down his pace, lost his… pic.twitter.com/PESlHQoUtJ— Abdur Rouf Khan (@AbdurRoufKhan6) December 30, 2025
“Pakistan is likely to miss their premier fast bowler Shaheen Afridi from the T20 World Cup 2026,” Rouf wrote, linking the current issue to the bowler’s past ACL tear.
Analysis of a Recurring Problem
The 47-year-old analysed that the initial rehabilitation from the major 2022 knee injury was incomplete, leading to a loss of pace, swing, and altered bowling mechanics. He warned that rushing back now poses a severe risk.
“Experiencing a second injury is mentally and physically challenging,” Rouf added. “Recovery from a second ACL surgery is more complex, and rushing back can jeopardise an athlete’s career.”
His comments highlight growing anxiety over the management of Pakistan’s key fast-bowling asset, with a critical World Cup campaign on the horizon.
