Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has been ruled out of the remainder of the Big Bash League after sustaining a knee injury and has returned to Pakistan to begin his rehabilitation.
Brisbane Heat confirmed the development, stating that the left-arm pacer picked up the injury during their recent BBL fixture and has now started his recovery program.
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Shaheen featured in Heat’s match against Adelaide Strikers on Saturday, December 27, where he managed to bowl only three overs before leaving the field.
He appeared uncomfortable during the 14th over of the Strikers’ run chase and was seen limping off while pointing to his right knee.
“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, 🏏” Shaheen wrote on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
The pacer has previously struggled with knee issues and underwent surgery in the past, making the injury a concern for both his franchise and national duties.
READ: Shaheen, Rizwan, Babar struggle to shine in BBL
In an official statement, Brisbane Heat provided an update on Shaheen’s condition and confirmed he will miss the upcoming matches.
“Shaheen Shah Afridi (knee) commenced rehab and will be further reviewed upon the team’s return from Adelaide,” the team wrote on its Facebook page.
The statement also included updates on other injured players.
“Tom Alsop (knee) resumed training yesterday and will be reviewed again on 1 January. Nathan McSweeney (ankle) resumed training including batting and running; has traveled with the squad to Adelaide and will train again ahead of tomorrow night’s match,” it added.
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It is worth noting that Shaheen Afridi is not part of Pakistan’s T20I squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.
He, along with Babar Azam, was left out of the squad due to his participation in BBL 15.
