With concerns about his availability for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka early next year, seasoned Pakistani left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is set to return home from Australia later on Wednesday.
Shaheen suffered a knee injury while fielding for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL), and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called him to the High Performance Centre in Lahore for treatment and rehabilitation.
After suffering a knee injury while fielding in a Test in Sri Lanka in 2021–2022, Shaheen, who has struggled in his first BBL appearance, took a lengthy break from cricket.
According to a PCB official, Shaheen was called back following talks with Cricket Australia (CA) since the initial report indicated that he needed time to heal from the injury and total rest.
He stated that following his discussion with the board’s physicians, the severity of the damage and the possible recovery timeframe will be ascertained.
Shaheen posted on social media about how disappointed he was to leave the competition early.
“I have enjoyed myself a lot playing for Brisbane and I am sad that I will not be able to finish the season with the team,” he said in a statement released by the BBL side.
“Hopefully, I will be back in the fields soon,” he wrote.
Shaheen made four appearances for the Brisbane Heat, averaging 76.50 while taking two wickets. He bowled two full-toss deliveries in his maiden game before being removed from the attack.
Even prior to his injury, Shaheen was left out of Pakistan’s squad for a three-match T201 series in Sri Lanka (January 7–11).
