Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi resumes rehab, might return soon

Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has had a pretty forgettable 2022. His entire 2022 had been plagued with injury concerns and he is yet to mark his return. Last year, Afridi kept on struggling with an ACL knee injury. The left-arm pacer missed out on the all-important Asia Cup in his bid to get ready for the World Cup. Afridi did return in time, but he had to pull out in the final after he aggravated his injury. 

The 22-year-old attempted a catch off Harry Brook's bat and was later forced to leave the field. Shaheen returned to bowl the 16th over but the unbearable pain forced him to leave after the first delivery. The injury did not feel severe but caused knee discomfort to the bowler due to a forced knee flexion while landing. Since



then, Shaheen has been out of action and has been doubtful for every series that Pakistan has been playing so far. Earlier today, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement regarding Afridi and his road to fitness.

The injury to the pace bowler gave England a huge advantage in the World Cup final with Iftikhar Ahmed, who completed the over, giving away 13 runs in the remaining five balls. Afridi was also left out of the Test squad for the three-match series against England, which concluded recently with Ben Stokes' side winning 3-0. Before the T20 World Cup in October-November last year, Afridi had undergone rehabilitation in London for a knee injury he had sustained while fielding during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle in July.