Pakistan Hopeful of Shaheen Afridi’s Recovery Ahead of T20 World Cup

Pakistan remain optimistic that their premier fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will be fit in time for next month’s T20 World Cup, with captain Salman Ali Agha expressing confidence in the left-armer’s recovery from a knee injury. Shaheen’s availability is being closely monitored, given his central role in Pakistan’s white-ball bowling attack.

Speaking to the media in Dambulla ahead of Pakistan’s opening T20I against Sri Lanka, Salman said the team management was encouraged by Shaheen’s progress but stressed that the final call would rest with the Pakistan Cricket Board and its medical experts.

“We are hopeful he will be fit for the World Cup, but the final decision will come from the board on the advice of the medical panel,” Salman said. The T20 World Cup, scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is a major target for Pakistan, with Shaheen expected to be a key weapon if cleared to play.

Shaheen’s rehabilitation is currently being overseen by the PCB’s medical panel at the High Performance Centre in Lahore. While the board recently shared footage of the pacer undergoing rehab drills, it has not disclosed the exact severity of the injury or a definitive timeline for his return to competitive action. The cautious approach reflects the importance of ensuring Shaheen is fully fit before being rushed back into international cricket.

The injury occurred during a Big Bash League match in Australia, where Shaheen was representing the Brisbane Heat. He sustained the knee issue while fielding and was subsequently released by the franchise, with the PCB opting to bring him back to Pakistan to manage his recovery under its own supervision.

This is not the first time Shaheen has dealt with knee-related concerns. He previously suffered a similar injury during a Test match in Galle in 2021, which sidelined him for several months and required a carefully managed comeback. That experience has made the PCB particularly cautious this time, keen to avoid long-term complications for the 25-year-old pacer.

Meanwhile, Salman said Pakistan have assembled a well-balanced squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, and the ongoing three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka will be crucial in helping players adapt to local conditions. Pakistan are scheduled to play all their World Cup matches in Sri Lanka, making familiarity with pitches and conditions a key factor.

The Sri Lanka series has also seen the return of experienced all-rounder Shadab Khan, who is back in the national side after an eight-month absence following shoulder surgery. Shadab earned his recall after showing encouraging form in the BBL, adding depth and experience to Pakistan’s squad.

Pakistan have named just one uncapped player, Khawaja Nafay, for the Sri Lanka series, signalling a preference for experience as the team fine-tunes preparations for the World Cup. With Shaheen’s fitness now a major talking point, Pakistan’s hopes of mounting a strong T20 World Cup campaign could hinge on the successful return of their strike bowler.