Shaheen Afridi suffers injury scare in BBL

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi was forced off the field with an injury concern during Brisbane Heat’s Big Bash League fixture against Adelaide Strikers in Brisbane, casting a shadow over an otherwise tense contest.

Shaheen looked in visible discomfort midway through his spell, gesturing towards his knee before leaving the field. The left-arm quick did not return to complete his allotted overs, finishing with figures of 3 overs for 26 runs, and was ruled out for the remainder of the match.

Brisbane Heat officials later confirmed that Shaheen will be monitored closely, with medical assessments planned over the next 24 to 48 hours to determine the severity of the issue. While there was no immediate clarity on the nature of the injury, the incident has inevitably sparked concern, particularly with the T20 World Cup scheduled for February.

Despite losing their spearhead, the Heat regrouped well with the ball. Their attack tightened in the closing overs to dismiss Adelaide Strikers for 172, before the home side edged to a seven-run victory in a closely fought encounter. The remaining bowlers stepped up in Shaheen’s absence, ensuring the injury setback did not derail the team’s plans on the night.

The episode has heightened anxiety among Pakistan fans, for whom Shaheen remains a central figure across formats. Having returned to full fitness after previous injury struggles, the left-armer’s workload and well-being are being closely watched as major international assignments approach.

The ongoing BBL season, meanwhile, continues to draw significant interest due to the strong Pakistani presence. Babar Azam’s debut campaign in the league has attracted large crowds and widespread attention, even as the former Pakistan captain searches for sustained form with the bat. Shadab Khan and Mohammad Rizwan have also featured prominently, with their performances and influence adding further intrigue to the tournament.

As the BBL progresses, the focus will remain on Shaheen’s recovery, with both Brisbane Heat and Pakistan hoping the setback proves to be a minor one rather than a serious concern.