Pakistan’s star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has suffered a knee injury while featuring in Australia’s Big Bash League, prompting his early return to Pakistan as a precautionary measure ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. The development has raised concern among fans, given Shaheen’s crucial role in Pakistan’s pace attack.
The injury occurred during Brisbane Heat’s match against the Adelaide Strikers, where Shaheen reportedly felt discomfort in his knee that persisted for nearly an hour during play. Despite the issue, the pacer completed his spell, but team medical staff closely monitored his condition throughout the game.
Following the match, Brisbane Heat officially confirmed that Shaheen Afridi has sustained a knee injury and has already begun his rehabilitation process. The franchise stated that further medical assessments would be carried out once the team returns from Adelaide to better understand the extent of the issue.
As a precaution, Brisbane Heat announced that Shaheen will not be available for the upcoming fixture against the Adelaide Strikers. Team officials emphasized that the decision was taken purely to avoid the risk of aggravating the injury, especially with major international commitments approaching for the left-arm pacer.
Sources have now revealed that Shaheen Afridi will exit the Big Bash League and return to Pakistan tonight. The move is reportedly part of a carefully considered plan by Pakistan’s team management to prioritize the fast bowler’s long-term fitness rather than pushing him through competitive franchise cricket.
Upon his return, Shaheen is expected to report to Pakistan’s High Performance Center, where he will undergo further medical evaluation and begin a structured rehabilitation program. Officials familiar with the matter have stressed that the injury is not believed to be serious at this stage, but caution is being exercised due to the packed international calendar.
With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, Pakistan’s management is keen to ensure that their strike bowler is fully fit and match-ready. Shaheen Afridi has been central to Pakistan’s success in white-ball cricket, particularly in ICC tournaments, where his ability to strike early with the new ball often sets the tone for the team.
The decision to withdraw him from the Big Bash League highlights Pakistan Cricket Board’s growing focus on workload management and injury prevention. In recent years, Shaheen has dealt with recurring fitness concerns, making careful handling essential for his longevity at the highest level.
Fans will be hoping for positive updates in the coming days, as Shaheen’s availability could play a decisive role in Pakistan’s World Cup campaign. For now, team officials remain optimistic that the precautionary rest will allow him to recover fully and return stronger.
