Pakistan’s fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, representing Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26, will miss the remainder of the season because of a knee injury sustained during a previous match in Australia’s domestic T20 league. The Brisbane Heat confirmed Afridi’s absence for the upcoming BBL matches in an announcement on Tuesday.
Shaheen, the Pakistan ODI captain, suffered a knee cartilage injury while fielding in the final over of Brisbane Heat’s game against the Adelaide Strikers at Gabba in Brisbane on December 27. Following this, Brisbane Heat consulted with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) medical team, who advised Afridi to return home for further treatment before the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Telecom Asia Sport reported that Shaheen will fly back to Lahore early on Wednesday (Australia time) to commence his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy later in the week. The pacer expressed confidence in his recovery, stating that after a week of rehab, he aims to resume bowling within the next ten days.
Sources close to the situation revealed that the PCB views Shaheen as a vital component of the national team’s bowling lineup and deems it necessary for him to undergo proper rehabilitation, which can be effectively managed in Lahore. The PCB has enlisted the services of renowned sports medicine specialist Dr. Javed Mughal to oversee injury concerns within the Pakistan squad.
