Shaheen Afridi Returns to Nets After Injury, Boosts Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Hopes

Shaheen Shah Afridi, termed the backbone of the fast bowling attack of Pakistan, has returned to the nets after regaining full fitness due to the recovery from the injury he had been facing. This is a huge boost for the T20 World Cup that is to be played by Pakistan soon. According to media reports, the team's medical panel is confident that Shaheen will be fully fit and in his best form by next week.

According to reports, Shaheen Afridi bowled with a full run-up for 15 minutes in the nets on Thursday and batted for the same amount of time. He did not feel any discomfort during the session. Previously, there were fears that he might be ruled out of the T20 World Cup due to an injury he sustained during the Big Bash League (BBL).

According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, sources close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) medical panel said, "Shaheen bowled with a full run-up for 15 minutes and did not experience any discomfort. This is a very positive sign for Pakistan, as he is a key part of the bowling attack in the World Cup."

Previously, there were fears of a recurrence of his old knee injury. This injury was the reason for his absence from several key matches for Pakistan in 2022, notably the T20 World Cup final against England. According to sources, "His rehab is complete and he is now bowling. This means he could play in the three-match series against Australia later this month, but the team management doesn't want to risk him before leaving for Sri Lanka."

Pakistan's new medical panel head, Dr. Javed Mughal, monitored Shaheen's rehab and expressed satisfaction with his fitness progress. The medical team has advised the fast bowler to take some precautionary measures. Reports state that the medical panel has recommended Shaheen bowl for 15 to 25 minutes initially and then gradually increase the duration. It has also been suggested that he be rested for the series against Australia and used in practice matches before the World Cup.

25-year-old Shaheen Afridi was injured in the left knee while playing for the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League. In his first Big Bash League, he was not that impressive, taking only two wickets in four matches and averaging 76.5 runs per wicket. Moreover, he was banned from bowling for balling two beamers in the first match against the Perth Scorchers. An MRI scan in Brisbane revealed no serious injuries, but the PCB still recalled Shaheen from the Big Bash League and sent him to Lahore as a precautionary measure.