Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed concerns about his T20 World Cup participation, assuring that his rehabilitation is progressing well and is set to conclude next week. The 25-year-old sustained a left knee injury during the Big Bash League in Australia, where he had a modest performance for Brisbane Heat, managing only two wickets in four matches at a high average of 76.5 per wicket. Additionally, he faced a bowling suspension after delivering two beamers in the opening game against the Perth Scorchers.
Reports suggesting a six-week recovery period for Shaheen’s rehab, potentially ruling him out of the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka starting from February 7, have been refuted by close sources. They expressed confidence in the fast bowler’s readiness for the tournament, emphasizing the oversight of his rehabilitation by the Pakistan Cricket Board medical panel, led by Dr. Javed Mughal.
According to insiders, the initial focus of Shaheen’s recovery process was to address the injury, with plans to complete this phase by Wednesday. Subsequently, Shaheen is expected to gradually resume running for a few days before commencing bowling activities by January 15. The left knee issue that resurfaced during the 2022 Twenty20 World Cup final against England had previously sidelined Shaheen in 2022. Despite an MRI in Brisbane revealing no significant damage, the Pakistan Cricket Board opted to withdraw him from the Big Bash League and recall him to Lahore.
Shaheen has been included in Pakistan’s preliminary 20-man squad for the T20 World Cup, pending fitness clearance. The final 15-member squad will be determined by head coach Mike Hesson. Notably, Shaheen, along with Babar Azam and Haris Rauf, will miss the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, having participated in the Big Bash League. Pakistan’s T20 World Cup journey kicks off against the Netherlands in Colombo on February 7, followed by a match against the USA three days later, with a highly anticipated clash against India scheduled for February 15. The team’s Group A fixtures conclude with a game against Namibia on February 18, aiming to secure a spot in Group 2 of the Super Sixes alongside England, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka.
