Shaheen Afridi has been disqualified from the next Asia Cup 2022, which can only be described as an incredible stunner for Team Pakistan. During the first Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle, the left-arm quick, who has been leading the nation’s bowling attack for some time, suffered a knee ligament injury while fielding. He’ll be out of commission for a while as a result of this. Following the most recent scans and reports, the PCB Medical Advisory Committee and independent physicians have reportedly urged the pacer to take four to six weeks off.
The pace merchant will therefore be absent from the Asia Cup as well as the historic home series versus England the following month. The New Zealand T20I tri-series in October is where he is anticipated to make his comeback, followed by the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia. “I have spoken with Shaheen and he is understandably upset with the news, but he is brave young man who has vowed to come back strongly to serve his country and team. Although he has made progress during his rehabilitation in Rotterdam, it is now clear he will require more time and is likely to return to competitive cricket in October,” PCB Chief Medical Officer Dr Najeebullah Soomro said. “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,” he added.
It will be intriguing to watch who steps in as Afridi’s substitute as his absence has undoubtedly hurt Pakistan’s prospects of winning the continental event. Hasan Ali was not selected for the team, so Haris Rauf will be responsible for directing the inexperienced pace attack. Additionally, it is a fantastic chance for players like Mohammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, and Shahnawaz Dahani to put on a strong performance and stake their claims to a spot in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad. The campaign for the Babar Azam-led team’s team against India will begin on August 28.
