ISLAMABAD, Aug 20(ABC): Pakistani pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has been advised four to six weeks rest by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Medical Advisory Committee and independent specialists, following his latest scans and reports.
Shaheen had been ruled out of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) T20 Asia Cup and home series against England, but was expected to return to competitive cricket in October with the New Zealand T20I tri-series, which would be followed by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022, said a press release issued on Saturday. Shaheen had suffered a right knee ligament injury while fielding during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.
Chief Medical Officer of PCB Dr Najeebullah Soomro said “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. “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 and Exercise Medicine Department will be working closely with the player over the coming weeks to ensure his safe return to competitive cricket,” he said. Shaheen would stay with the squad to complete his rehabilitation. His replacement for the ACC T20 Asia Cup would be announced shortly. The Pakistan side would arrive in Dubai from Rotterdam on Monday, the PCB said. APP