In some breaking news coming in, it has been reported that Pakistan pace bowler Shaheen Afridi has been ruled out of the Asia Cup 2022 that is scheduled to commence towards the end of the month.
The left-arm paceman, who has been leading his team’s bowling attack since a while, has suffered a knee ligament injury while fielding during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. This will keep him out of action for quite some time.
It has been reported that the pacer has been advised at least four to six weeks of rest by the PCB Medical Advisory Committee and independent specialists following latest scans and reports.
This means that Afridi will also miss the much awaited home series against England apart from the Asia Cup. He’s expected to return back to the game with the New Zealand T20I tri-series in October, which will be followed by the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia.
“I have spoken with Shaheen and he is understandably upset with the news, but he is brave young man who has vowed to come back strongly to serve his country and team. Although he has made progress during his rehabilitation in Rotterdam, it is now clear he will require more time and is likely to return to competitive cricket in October,” PCB Chief Medical Officer Dr Najeebullah Soomro was quoted as saying by Cricket World.
“PCB’s Sports & Exercise Medicine Department will be working closely with the player over the coming weeks to ensure his safe return to competitive cricket,” he added.
Afridi’s absence will impact the Pakistan team very negatively as he was the skipper’s go to option in the recent past. However, It is also a great opportunity for the new faces like Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah and Shahnawaz Dahani to prove their worthb in the mega tournament.