Shaheen Afridi ruled out of Asia Cup 2022

Shaheen Afridi ruled out of Asia Cup 2022: Pakistan’s pace stalwart, Shaheen Afridi, has been ruled out of the upcoming Asia Cup as well as the home series against England as he continues healing from a knee injury. Afridi is in the Netherlands with the Pakistan team as part of his rehabilitation program, which is overseen by a trainer and a physiotherapist and has been advised to rest for four to six weeks following the latest scans and reports. Meanwhile, he will remain with the squad and work with the medical team, according to a press release issued by the PCB on Saturday (August 20).

Afridi suffered a right knee ligament injury while fielding in the first Test against Sri Lanka in July and has been sidelined since. According to the PCB, he will return to action in the T20I tri-series in New Zealand, which will also include Bangladesh, beginning on October 7 – just 16 days before Pakistan’s first T20 World Cup match against India.

“I have spoken with Shaheen and he is understandably upset with the news, but he is a brave young man who has vowed to come back strongly to serve his country and team. Although he has made progress during his rehabilitation in Rotterdam, it is now clear he will require more time and is likely to return to competitive cricket in October,” said PCB Chief Medical Officer Dr. Najeebullah Soomro.

“PCB’s Sports & Exercise Medicine Department will be working closely with the player over the coming weeks to ensure his safe return to competitive cricket,” he added.

Pakistan will open their Asia Cup campaign against India on August 28, followed by a seven-match T20I series against England from September 20 to October 2. Pakistan will shortly announce Afridi’s replacement for the Asia Cup.

Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2022: