Return to Pakistan termed precautionary ahead of T20 World Cup

BRISBANE: Pakistan’s premier fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has suffered a knee injury while playing in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), prompting his withdrawal from the tournament and a precautionary return to Pakistan ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Injury During Match

Shaheen picked up the injury during Brisbane Heat’s match against Adelaide Strikers on Saturday. According to sources, the left-arm pacer experienced knee discomfort during the game, which persisted for nearly an hour.

Although he completed his spell, the discomfort raised immediate concerns among team management and medical staff.

Brisbane Heat Confirm Injury

The Brisbane Heat confirmed that Shaheen has sustained a knee injury and that his rehabilitation process has already begun.

The franchise said further assessment of his knee would take place once the team returns from Adelaide. As a precaution, Shaheen has also been ruled out of the upcoming match against the Adelaide Strikers.

Team officials said the decision was taken to avoid any risk of aggravating the injury.

Set to Return Home

Sources said Shaheen Afridi will leave the Big Bash League and return to Pakistan as a precautionary measure, with the T20 World Cup fast approaching.

After returning home, the pacer is expected to undergo rehabilitation at Pakistan’s High Performance Centre, where his recovery will be closely monitored.

World Cup in Focus

Officials stressed that the decision to withdraw Shaheen from the league was taken purely as a preventive step, keeping his long-term fitness and Pakistan’s World Cup campaign in mind.

Medical assessments will determine the duration of his recovery, but early indications suggest the move is aimed at ensuring full readiness rather than responding to a serious injury.