Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been forced to cut short his Big Bash League (BBL) stint with Brisbane Heat after sustaining a knee injury, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) calling him back for rehabilitation. The decision comes with an eye on the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, scheduled for February-March.
Afridi, who played just four matches for Heat, picked up the injury while bowling during Adelaide Strikers’ chase on December 27. He limped off the field in the 14th over, signaling a recurrence of knee problems that have troubled him in the past. The Heat confirmed he will be further assessed upon the team’s return from Adelaide, but the likelihood is that Afridi will return immediately to Pakistan to begin rehab.
Posting on social media, Afridi said: “Due to an unexpected injury, I have been called back by the PCB and will have to take a rehab. Hopefully, I will be back in the field soon. Meanwhile, I will be cheering for the amazing team.” He also expressed gratitude for the support of Brisbane Heat and their fans.
The 22-year-old, Pakistan’s newly appointed T20 captain, has had a history of right-knee injuries, including a posterior cruciate ligament injury during the 2022 Sri Lanka Test series that hampered his participation in the early stages of that year’s T20 World Cup. Despite setbacks, Afridi returned to form at the Asia Cup and led the wicket-taking charts in Pakistan’s home tri-series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson praised Afridi’s professionalism, stating: “Despite his season not finishing the way he would have liked, he has been a thorough professional and has had strong input into the team’s performances overall.”
Afridi’s early exit leaves Heat’s pace attack slightly depleted, alongside Tom Alsop (knee) and Nathan McSweeney (ankle), both of whom are back in training. The fast bowler is expected to focus entirely on recovery ahead of the T20 World Cup and the Pakistan Super League, where he captains Lahore Qalandars, leading them to last year’s title.
With just five weeks to go until the T20 World Cup, Afridi’s fitness will be crucial for Pakistan’s campaign, as they rely on him as a spearhead in the pace department and a leader on the field.
