Shaheen Afridi injury update: PCB issues statement on pacer's T20 World Cup 2026 participation

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a positive update on star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The PCB has reportedly confirmed that Shaheen Afridi’s knee injury is not serious.

Shaheen Afridi Injury Update: BBL Setback and Expected Fitness for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Shaheen Afridi’s Big Bash League 2025-26 campaign has ended abruptly, with the Pakistan fast bowler flying back home after picking up a worrying knee injury during his stint with Brisbane Heat.

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The left-arm pacer featured in four matches for the Heat, but his stay was cut short after he hurt his right knee while bowling against the Adelaide Strikers. Shaheen had to limp off the field and was later called back home by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

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With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 set to begin on February 7, the PCB decided to call Afridi back as a precautionary move, focusing on his recovery and rehabilitation rather than pushing him through more games in the BBL 2025-26.

Now, a fresh report has emerged that the left-arm speedster is not dealing with any serious damage, putting an end to growing concerns around his fitness for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Shaheen Afridi is expected to resume bowling in the nets within the next 10 to 15 days.

A senior Pakistani journalist, Saleem Khaliq, revealed, “Shaheen Shah Afridi's injury is not serious; he is expected to start bowling in the nets within 10–15 days.”

🚨GOOD NEWS FOR PAKISTAN CRICKET🇵🇰

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A Look Back: Managing Past Injury Concerns

The injury has once again brought back memories of Afridi’s long-standing knee issues. He previously injured the same right knee while fielding during a Test match in Sri Lanka in 2022. That setback forced him to miss the early part of the T20 World Cup in Australia.

However, Afridi returned later in the tournament, but the problem resurfaced during the final against England, where he broke down in the death overs that proved costly for Pakistan in a title-deciding game. So, this time, the PCB aims to avoid this situation.

Read Also: Shaheen Afridi ruled out of BBL; dragged back to Pakistan as PCB cancels NOC after knee injury

Shaheen Afridi’s miserable BBL campaign and road to recovery

Afridi endured a tough and forgettable run in Australia. He managed to take only two wickets across four matches and went for plenty of runs, conceding at an economy rate of 11.19. The Brisbane Heat bowler was struggling from the start of the BBL 2025-26.

Well, the fast bowler was rested for Pakistan’s upcoming three-match T20 series against Sri Lanka, but he remains part of their ICC T20 World Cup 2026 plans. His pace, swing, and ability to strike early make him one of the team’s most important weapons.

Now, all eyes will be on Afridi’s rehabilitation process, as Pakistan hopes their star fast bowler returns fit and firing in time for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in Sri Lanka and India.