Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will not be able to continue his stint in Australia’s domestic tournament. With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, injury has struck at the worst possible time for the experienced fast bowler. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has asked Afridi to return home from Australia and begin his rehabilitation.
Afridi has been playing for Brisbane Heat in the ongoing Big Bash League. He picked up a knee injury during Saturday’s match against Adelaide Strikers. While bowling the 14th over of the second innings, he was seen limping and repeatedly pointing towards his right knee. The injury has since ruled him out of the remainder of the tournament.
Afridi himself confirmed both the injury and PCB’s decision to recall him in a social media post on Tuesday.
“I am grateful to the Brisbane Heat team and the supporters for the immense love and support. Due to an unexpected injury, the PCB has asked me to return home and go through the rehabilitation process there. I hope to be back on the field very soon. Until then, I will continue supporting this wonderful team.”
Brisbane Heat are set to face Adelaide Strikers again on Wednesday. In an official statement, the franchise said Afridi’s condition would be reassessed once the team returns from Adelaide, after which a final decision will be made regarding his departure from Australia to Pakistan.
The 10th edition of the T20 World Cup will begin next February in India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan will start their campaign against the United States on February 10. Before the global event, Pakistan are scheduled to play a three-match T20I series in Sri Lanka, although Afridi has not been included in that squad.
Afridi has struggled to make an impact in his first-ever Big Bash appearance. In four matches, he has managed just two wickets while conceding runs at an economy rate of 11.19.
His debut match in the tournament was particularly forgettable, as he was removed from the bowling attack after delivering two beamers in a single over.
Brisbane Heat currently sit fourth on the points table, having won two and lost two of their four matches so far.
