Pakistan’s sensational pacer and unarguably their best attack weapon Shaheen Afridi has been ruled out of the Asia Cup 2022. Afridi proved to be the ultimate nightmare for the Indian batting lineup in the 2021 T20 World Cup. And when everyone was bracing to see the Speedster challenging them again on this coming 28th, he’s been ruled out due to an injury.
The Pakistan team is currently facing off with the Netherlands. And Shaheen Afridi’s absence from the first two ODI raised suspicion among the audience about his fitness. Many ruled out the possibility of an injury citing the chances of an apparent rest before the big battle. However, the news of him missing the Asia Cup has now been officially confirmed.
Shaheen Afridi ruled out of the Asia Cup
https://twitter.com/Cricketracker/status/1560945961852997632?t=QmhsNlSbw-lGf6iihKZBUA&s=19
The dangerous pacer sustained a knee injury during the test match against Sri Lanka in Galle. The injury has now forced him out of the game. Afridi, as reported, will take four to six weeks to recover. The time span will curb his appearance in the home series against England along with the Asia Cup. However, if things go well from here, Afridi will be fit to participate in the T20 World Cup in October-November.
“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,” PCB Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Najeebullah Soomro said.
“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’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.
The Pakistan board is yet to announce the replacement for Shaheen Afridi in the Asia Cup. Coincidentally, India is also going to participate without their key pacer Jasprit Bumrah in the Asia Cup. And now with Afridi’s confirmed absence, the new challenge from both teams for each other stand unrevealed as of now.
