PCB in a release on Saturday (20 August) stated that the Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi has been ruled out of the upcoming Asia Cup and the home series against England as he is recovering from a knee injury. A huge blow for Pakistan before Asia Cup. Afridi is with the Pakistan team in the Netherlands as part of his rehabilitation program, which is overseen by a trainer and physiotherapist and has been advised four to six weeks of rest following the latest scans and reports. In the meantime, he will remain with the squad working with the medical team.
Chief Medical Officer of PCB, Dr. Najeebullah Soomro said “I have spoken with Shaheen and he is understandably upset with the news, but he is a brave young man who has vowed to come back strongly to serve his country and team. Although he has made progress during his rehabilitation in Rotterdam, it is now clear he will require more time and is likely to return to competitive cricket in October.”
Pakistan will begin their Asia Cup campaign against India on August 28, PCB will soon announce Afridi’s replacement for the Asia Cup. The home series of seven T20Is against England will start on 20 September to 2 October.
“PCB’s Sports & Exercise Medicine Department will be working closely with the player over the coming weeks to ensure his safe return to competitive cricket,” he added.
Afridi injured his right knee ligament while fielding during the first Test against Sri Lanka in July and has been out of action since then. According to the PCB, he is expected to return to action in the T20I tri-series in New Zealand, which also includes Bangladesh, which begins on October 7. Most probably he’ll be available for the opening encounter of the T20 World Cup against India on 23 October 2022.
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