India vs Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi's Injury Is A Big Relief For The Indian Top Order – Waqar Younis Ahead Of Asia Cup 2022

Former Pakistan National Cricket Team pacer Waqar Younis has said that the young left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi’s injury is a big relief for the top-order batting unit of the India National Cricket Team.

The Asia Cup 2022 is scheduled to be played from August 27 to September 11. The entire tournament is set to be held in United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the hosts Sri Lanka taking on Afghanistan in the opening clash.

On August 28, the Rohit Sharma-led India National Cricket Team will go head-to-head with the Babar Azam-led Pakistan National Cricket Team at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.

The last time when the Men In Blue and the Men In Green faced off each other at the same venue during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, the Virat Kohli-led Team India lost the match by 10 wickets. Notably, pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi had dismantled India’s top-order by dismissing openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul early on in the innings and then he also picked up the wicket of half-centurion Virat Kohli.

Sad we won’t be seeing him in Asia Cup 2022 – Waqar Younis

Notably, star left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi’s right knee ligament injury, which he sustained while fielding during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, has ruled him out of the Asia Cup as well as the home series against England. He has been advised 4-6 weeks of rest by the PCB Medical Advisory Committee and he is expected to return to competitive cricket in October.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan National Cricket Team pacer Waqar was disappointed to see that the 22-year-old will not be able to take part in the Asia Cup.

“Shaheen’s injury Big relief for the Indian top order batsmen. Sad we won’t be seeing him in #AsiaCup2022 Get fit soon Champ@iShaheenAfridi,” Waqar tweeted.

Shaheen’s injury Big relief for the Indian top order batsmen. Sad we won’t be seeing him in #AsiaCup2022 Get fit soon Champ @iShaheenAfridi pic.twitter.com/Fosph7yVHs

— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) August 20, 2022

Also, Pakistan National Cricket Team vice-captain Shadab Khan has said that they will definitely miss the services of the young pacer in the marquee tournament.

“Shaheen’s our best bowler, so, of course, we’ll miss him. It’s unfortunate that he won’t be available for the Asia Cup. But we’re hopeful he will be available for future series and the World Cup. We’ll have to play ruthless cricket. Our team culture is such that we never relax against any team,” Shadab was quoted as saying.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2022: Hasan Ali Likely To Replace Shaheen Afridi In Pakistan’s Squads