Cricket News

Shaheen Afridi to complete rehabilitation for his knee injury in London

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has informed that pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will complete rehabilitation for his knee injury in London. The Board is hopeful that the left-arm pacer will regain complete fitness before the T20 World Cup in October.

The ace-pacer sustained the right knee ligament injury while fielding during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle in July and has remained out of action ever since. Afridi travelled with the team to the Netherlands tour and the ongoing Asia Cup. This was in line with PCB’s initial plan that the 22-year-old will be undergoing rehab with the team.

In a release issued by the board on Monday, PCB’s chief medical officer Najeebullah Soomro said, “Shaheen Shah Afridi requires uninterrupted, dedicated knee specialist care and London offers some of the best sports medical and rehabilitation facilities in the world. In the best interest of the player, we have decided to send him there.”

“The medical department will receive daily feedback on his progress whilst in London and we are confident Shaheen will return to full fitness before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” he added.

It is known that while in London, Afridi will remain under the supervision of the PCB Medical Advisory Panel, which also comprises Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed and Dr. Zafar Iqbal. Since 2016, Dr. Imtiaz has been the Head of Medical Services at the Queen’s Park Rangers Football Club, while Dr. Zafar is Head of Sports Medicine at the Crystal Palace Football Club since 2015.

Shaheen has been the leader of Pakistan’s bowling attack for the last few years. His injury was a huge setback for the Babar-led side ahead of the ongoing Asia Cup 2022. He was the player of the match in Men in Green’s historic win against India in last year’s T20 World Cup.

Pakistan missed their ace-bowler on Sunday, where India was able to recover from the early stutter and chase down the target of 148 in 19.4 overs. The bowlers, despite their valiant effort, were not able to stop the Men in Blue.

The Men in Green will expect Shaheen to be fit ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup held in Australia.  The Pakistan fast-bowler has taken 47 wickets in 40 T20Is with an economy of 7.75.