Shaheen Afridi ruled out of England Test series? Horrific injury update arrives from Pakistan

Pakistan star fast bowler Shaheen Afridi suffered a knee injury with two weeks remaining before the first Test of the three-match series against England.

Shaheen Afridi injured his knee during the recent match between the Lions and Dolphins in the Champions One-Day Cup 2024 on September 22.

The Shaheen Afridi-led Lions lost to the Dolphins by 16 runs in a thrilling match at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.

The Lions failed to secure victory while chasing a challenging target of 327 runs. They finished with 310 runs for the loss of eight wickets in the allotted 50 overs in the recent one-day match.

Watch: Shaheen Afridi Injures Knee During Champions One-Day Cup 2024

In a crucial moment, the Lions needed 100 runs in the last ten overs with four wickets remaining. However, Shaheen Afridi was struck on the left knee by a delivery from Faheem Ashraf and had to retire hurt. The left-handed batter returned to the field after the next wicket fell in the 45th over.

Let's be real, there's no pct without shaheen as well. pic.twitter.com/xFEY6GNMq2

— ammar (@isthatammar) September 22, 2024

The Lions needed 81 runs from five overs with three wickets left. However, Khushdil Shah and the injured Afridi nearly pulled off an upset. The duo hit seven sixes and two fours to bring the target down to 23 runs needed in the final over. However, they didn't cross the finish line in the match.

The Dolphins opted to bat first after winning the toss. They lost Sahibzada Farhan in the sixth over, but Muhammad Hurraira and Muhammad Akhlaq formed a 77-run partnership in just over ten overs. However, they lost wickets at regular intervals during the middle overs during the match.

Umar Amin received good support from the lower middle order to keep the Dolphins in a strong position. Amin was dismissed for 75 in the 42nd over of the first innings. The Dolphins managed to set a challenging total of 326 runs. They were bowled out in the final over of the one-day match.

Shaheen Afridi Has Struggled To Deliver For Pakistan In Recent Months

The talented Pakistan pacer has struggled in recent months. Afridi took five wickets in four matches during the T20 World Cup, where Pakistan failed to advance past the league stage. He managed only two wickets during the first Test of the two-match series against Bangladesh at home.

The 24-year-old pacer was dropped from the playing XI for the second Test against Bangladesh. Pakistan, led by Shan Masood, suffered a 0-2 loss against Bangladesh. He is expected to return to the squad for the upcoming England series. However, this injury could impact his participation.

Pakistan is set to host a three-match Test series against England starting on October 7. The first Test will take place at Multan Cricket Stadium, followed by the second Test in Multan from October 15 to 19. The series will conclude with the Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 24.

Also read: Updated ICC World Test Championship Points Table After SL vs NZ 1st Test 2024