Afridi has been advised 4-6 weeks of rest implying that he is likely to miss the T20I series against England as well.
Pakistan were dealt a huge blow on Sunday ahead of their blockbuster match against India in the Asia Cup 2022 opener in Dubai, when star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury. Afridi has been advised to rest for 4-6 weeks, implying that he will also miss the T20I series against England.
During the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, Afridi suffered a right knee ligament injury while fielding. The PCB Medical Advisory Committee and independent specialists have now advised him to rest for at least a month, which means he will miss two important series for Pakistan but will be back in time for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
“I have spoken with Shaheen and he is understandably upset with the news, but he is a brave young man who has vowed to come back strongly to serve his country and team,” said PCB Chief Medical Officer Dr Najeebullah Soomro. Despite making progress during his rehabilitation in Rotterdam, it is now clear that he will need more time and will most likely return to competitive cricket in October.
“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.”
Afridi will meanwhile remain with the Pakistan squad as he completes his rehabilitation. PCB will later name a replacement player for Afridi for the Asia Cup tournament.