ICC T20 World Cup 2022: PCB Chief Executive Believes Shaheen Shah Afridi To Be Fit For The Tournament

Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s leading fast bowler, is anticipated to be eligible for the national team’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup opening match against arch-rival India on October 23.

Shaheen suffered a knee injury during Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka in July, and despite being chosen in the preliminary team, he was unable to compete in the current Asia Cup T20.

In addition to travelling with the team to the United Arab Emirates for the Asia Cup, the left-armer also went to the Netherlands for a three-match One-day International series against the hosts.

Shaheen was sent to London for what the Pakistan Cricket Board’s chief medical officer Najeebullah Soomro described as “uninterrupted, dedicated knee specialist care,” even though the board had stated before the Netherlands series that Shaheen would continue his rehabilitation while travelling with the national team.

Shaheen Shah Afridi will be ready for the start of the T20 tournament in Australia:

The action sparked doubts about whether the PCB was aware of the severity of the injury in its early stages. The higher-ups on the board believe Shaheen will be ready for the start of the T20 tournament in Australia.

“The PCB medical team has been receiving daily information on Shaheen’s knee injury status, and we expect the bowler to be present with the national side for the World Cup match against India on October 23,” PCB chief executive officer Faisal Hasnain told Dawn on Thursday.

“From Sri Lanka to London, the PCB has followed the medical team’s recommendations, and if they urge Shaheen to seek treatment in the United States, the PCB will do the same.”

On Friday night, a virtual knockout game between Pakistan and Hong Kong will take place.

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