Shaheen Afridi ruled out of BBL

The pacer will begin rehab after a knee injury scare in Lahore

KARACHI:

Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi has begun a rehabilitation programme after suffering a knee injury during a Big Bash League (BBL 15) fixture between Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers in Brisbane, raising short-term concern with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup just weeks away.

Shaheen was forced to leave the field midway through the match after feeling discomfort while bowling.

The left-arm quick completed only three overs, conceding 26 runs, before being ruled out of the remainder of the contest. He was later seen walking gingerly, prompting immediate precautionary measures from team medical staff.

Brisbane Heat officials confirmed that Shaheen has entered an initial phase of rehabilitation and will undergo further medical assessments over the next 24 to 48 hours to determine the severity of the issue and chart the next steps in his recovery.

Both the franchise and Pakistan Cricket Board are expected to take a conservative approach, prioritising the fast bowler’s long-term fitness over a rushed return.

Despite losing their strike bowler early, Brisbane Heat held their nerve to defend a modest total, bowling Adelaide Strikers out for 172 to secure a narrow seven-run victory.

The result, however, was overshadowed by concern over Shaheen’s fitness, given his importance to both Heat’s BBL campaign and Pakistan’s international plans.

The injury comes at a sensitive time for Pakistan, with the T20 World Cup scheduled to begin in February.

Shaheen remains central to Pakistan’s white-ball strategy, offering early breakthroughs with the new ball and control at the death. Any extended absence would be a significant setback, though early indications suggest the injury is being managed as a precaution.

For now, all eyes remain on Shaheen’s medical updates. Team officials have reiterated that there will be no risks taken with the fast bowler’s recovery, as Pakistan look to have their premier pacer fully fit for the challenges ahead on the global stage.