Knee injury ends Shaheen’s stint with Brisbane in the BBL
Left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was earlier allowed to miss out on Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka in January, is due to return home after a knee injury cut short his stay in the Big Bash League (BBL). Afridi, who was playing for the Brisbane Heat this season, had played only four games for the side before being called back by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
With the T20 World Cup approaching in February next year, Pakistan will be extra cautious with Shaheen, who currently has the second-most wickets in T20Is for the country.
"I'm massively thankful to the Brisbane Heat team and fans for showering me with immense love and support," Afridi shared on his social media. "Due to an unexpected injury, I have been called back by the PCB and will have to take rehab. Hopefully, I will be back on the field soon. Meanwhile, I will be cheering for the amazing team."
Shaheen’s stint with Brisbane Heat
Shaheen’s four-game-long stay in Australia was hardly a memorable time, as he managed to grab only two very pricey wickets, having leaked runs at an economy of 11. His first outing, which was also his debut in the league, was particularly forgettable, as he was forced out of the attack for bowling two over-the-waist no-balls in one over.
He was quite decent against the Adelaide Strikers on Saturday, who were chasing 179, giving only seven runs in his first two overs. But things took a turn for the worse in his third, when he was hit for 19 runs, as well as discomfort in his right knee, forcing him to walk off the field.
A statement from Brisbane Heat earlier said Afridi "will be further reviewed upon the team's return from Adelaide". However, with the PCB’s decision to call Shaheen back, the team will see the pacer’s early departure.
"Despite his season not finishing the way he would have liked, he has been a thorough professional, and we have been pleased to welcome him to Brisbane and the Heat," Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson said.
"I know our young bowlers in the squad have benefited greatly from his advice and suggestions, and he has had strong input into the team's performances overall."
Shaheen’s persisting right knee injuries
Afridi has had a history of injuries in his right knee, which began in 2022 when he picked up a ligament injury while fielding during the first Test against Sri Lanka. The injury then saw him miss the subsequent Asia Cup.
He returned for the T20 World Cup later that year, only to hurt his right knee once again in the final against England.
Pakistan, who are already struggling for relevance in the format of late, cannot afford to enter the tournament without their lead pace bowler. In addition to being central to Pakistan’s campaign, his Pakistan Super League (PSL) team, Lahore Qalandars, would need him to be at his best before the league begins shortly after the World Cup.
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