Pakistan are expected to play pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi in their two warm-up matches against England and Afghanistan ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia, after the left-arm seam bowler missed the Asia Cup in the UAE, the seven-match T20I series against England and the Tri-series in New Zealand due to a right-knee ligament injury.
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Known for wrecking India’s famed batting lineup in Pakistan’s 10-wicket win during the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, Afridi will join the Babar Azam-led squad in Australia after undergoing a rehabilitation programme under the supervision of the PCB Medical Advisory Committee. The two warm-up matches are scheduled for October 17 and 19, before Pakistan face arch-rivals India in the blockbuster Super 12 match on October 23 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
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“I am super excited at the prospect of re-joining the national side for the T20 World Cup and playing my part in the campaign,” Shaheen said. “It has been a difficult period for me to be away from the game and the team I love the most, and not be part of some gruelling and exciting matches.Pakistan Cr
“I have been bowling six to eight overs trouble-free for the past 10 days with full run-up and pace. While I have enjoyed bowling and batting in the nets, nothing can replace the feel of match environment and I can’t wait to be in that setting,” he added.
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Afridi’s match fitness will be assessed by the team management during the two warm-up matches before taking a call on his role during the T20 World Cup 2022. He had departed for London to complete his rehabilitation after suffering an injury to the right knee ligament. “It has been a rigorous and challenging rehabilitation programme, but I have thoroughly enjoyed it. To be honest, I am feeling fitter than ever before and can’t wait to wear the playing kit,” Afridi added.
