Shaheen Shah Afridi Returns Home Due to Knee Injury, BBL Stint Cut Short
Pakistan’s star fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, has returned home from his maiden Big Bash League (BBL) campaign after a knee injury forced him to cut his stint with the Brisbane Heat short. The left-arm pacer sustained a cartilage injury while fielding during the Heat’s dramatic last-over victory against the Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba.
Following discussions between the Brisbane Heat and the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) medical staff, the decision was made for Afridi to return to Pakistan for further treatment. This proactive measure ensures he can focus on his recovery ahead of the crucial ICC T20 World Cup.
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Return and Recovery
A PCB spokesperson confirmed to Dawn that Shaheen Shah Afridi would be returning to Pakistan on Wednesday. The full extent of his injury and the anticipated recovery timeline will be thoroughly assessed by the board’s medical team upon his arrival.
Afridi expressed his disappointment at having to leave the BBL prematurely but extended his gratitude to the Brisbane Heat franchise and its supporters for their warm hospitality. “I have enjoyed myself a lot playing for Brisbane and I am sad that I will not be able to finish the season with the team,” Shaheen stated in a club release.
“The BBL was everything I had heard it would be — lots of good, skilful cricket. I have enjoyed the challenge,” he added. Reiterating his appreciation on X, Afridi mentioned being called back by the PCB for rehabilitation, expressing hope for a swift return to the field. According to SindhNews.com, this marks a significant early departure for the highly anticipated overseas player.
Impact on Brisbane Heat and Future Prospects
Shaheen Shah Afridi participated in four matches for the Brisbane Heat, taking two wickets at an average of 76.50. Despite his brief tenure, Brisbane Heat’s chief executive, Terry Svenson, praised Afridi’s professionalism and positive influence on the squad.
“Our young bowlers have benefitted greatly from his advice and suggestions,” Svenson commented. Acting Heat captain Xavier Bartlett echoed this sentiment, describing Afridi’s presence as being of “great value” to the bowling unit. The Heat are now actively seeking a replacement to fill Afridi’s absence for the remainder of the competition.
The 24-year-old pacer’s immediate focus is on rehabilitation, with Pakistan gearing up for the ICC T20 World Cup. It is noteworthy that Afridi was not selected for Pakistan’s upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka in January. Reports from SindhNews.com suggest this exclusion might be linked to an arrangement between Cricket Australia and the PCB concerning player availability for the BBL.