Pakistan spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi has alleviated concerns about his participation in the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup, stating that his rehabilitation is progressing well and will be completed by next week, as per reports.
The 25-year-old fast bowler sustained a left knee injury during his debut for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League in Australia. Despite taking just two wickets in four matches at a costly average of 76.5 per wicket, his performance was further marred by a suspension from bowling after delivering two beamers in the opening match against the Perth Scorchers.
Media reports suggested that Shaheen’s rehabilitation might take up to six weeks, potentially sidelining him from the Twenty20 World Cup, which kicks off in India and Sri Lanka on February 7. However, sources close to the player have expressed confidence that he will be fit in time for the tournament.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board medical panel is supervising his rehab under Dr. Javed Mughal, and they are confident that the injury is not serious. Shaheen will be up and kicking well before the World Cup,” sources told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net).
According to insiders, the initial phase of Shaheen’s recovery aims to heal the injury, which should be completed by Wednesday. He is expected to gradually start running for two to three days before resuming bowling by January 15.
The report noted that this is the same left knee that kept Shaheen out of action in 2022 and flared up during the final of the 2022 Twenty20 World Cup against England, limiting his overs bowled. An MRI conducted in Brisbane indicated no serious injury; however, the Pakistan Cricket Board decided it was prudent to withdraw him from the Big Bash League and have him return to Lahore.
Shaheen has been included in the preliminary 20-man squad for the World Cup, contingent upon his fitness. The final 15-member squad will be finalized by head coach Mike Hesson.
Pakistan will begin a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka on January 11, during which Shaheen, Babar Azam, and Haris Rauf will be absent, as they participated in the Big Bash League.
Pakistan’s opening match in the Twenty20 World Cup will be against the Netherlands in Colombo on February 7, followed by a clash against the USA three days later. Their highly anticipated match against India is scheduled for February 15, and they will conclude their Group A stage against Namibia on February 18.
If results favour Pakistan, they will advance to Group 2 of the Super Sixes alongside England, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka.