Pakistan confident in fitness for T20 World Cup

Pakistan remains confident in star bowler Shaheen Afridi will be ready in time for the next T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on February 7. T20I captain Salman Ali Agha said the left-arm pacer is recovering well from a knee injury, raising hopes that Pakistan will have their best bowler.

Afridi returned home after injuring his knee while playing for the Brisbane Heat in BBL. The Pakistan Cricket Board recalled him for treatment and rehabilitation at its high performance center in Lahore. Shaheen featured in four matches for Brisbane, taking two wickets at an average of 76.50.

Shaheen Afridi suffers knee injury in Big Bash League

Shaheen Shah Afridi suffered a knee injury while playing in the Big Bash League in Australia. The problem occurred during a match against the Adelaide Strikers, where he appeared uncomfortable while on the field before leaving the ground holding his knee.

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Brisbane Heat released Afridi from the tournament after which the Pakistan Cricket Board called him home to manage his recovery under their supervision.

Before his injury forced him off the field, Afridi had a mixed outing. He started well but then conceded 19 runs against Italian cricketer Harry Manenti.

It is worth mentioning that this is not the first time that Shaheen Afridi has suffered a knee injury. He suffered a similar injury during a test match in Galle in 2021, which kept him out of action for several months.

We hope Shaheen Afridi is fit for the World Cup – Salman Ali Agha

Shaheen Afridi is a key figure in their white-ball plans, and his fitness is expected to have a major impact on their T20 World Cup campaign, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Speaking in Dambulla, Salman Ali Agha said the team was optimistic about Shaheen’s recovery. However, he added that the final call on his availability will be taken by the Pakistan Cricket Board based on the advice of the medical team.

“We hope he will be fit for the World Cup, but the final decision will come from the (Pakistan Cricket) board on the advice of the medical committee,” Salman told the media in Dambulla, where Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the first T20I on Wednesday.

This series will help the players a lot for the World Cup – Salman Ali Agha

Salman Ali Agha said the team had put together a well-balanced and competitive squad for the series against Sri Lanka. Salman added that the matches are particularly useful for players with limited experience in Sri Lanka, as Pakistan is expected to play all their World Cup matches there.

“This series will help the players a lot for the World Cup, especially those who have not played much cricket in Sri Lanka,” Salman said.

Pakistan have named an experienced squad for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, with just one new face included. Khawaja Nafay is the only uncapped player on the roster.

Shadab Khan is back with the national team after eight months of absence following shoulder surgery. The selectors recalled him after his encouraging performances in the Big Bash League, adding experience and balance to the Pakistan team.

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