Pakistan’s star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is set to return home from the Big Bash League (BBL) after sustaining a knee injury while representing Brisbane Heat, raising serious concerns over his availability for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called the left-arm pacer back for immediate treatment and rehabilitation at its High Performance Centre in Lahore.

The injury occurred during a BBL match when Shaheen hurt his knee while fielding, prompting medical assessments by team staff. Although initial reports suggested the injury was not career-threatening, the PCB decided to take a cautious approach given Shaheen’s importance to Pakistan’s bowling attack across formats. As a result, he will not continue his BBL campaign and will instead focus on recovery under the supervision of Pakistan’s medical team.

Shaheen Afridi has been a key figure in Pakistan’s recent cricketing success, especially in white-ball formats. His ability to generate pace, swing the new ball, and deliver crucial breakthroughs at the top of the order makes him one of the most valuable fast bowlers in international cricket. Any extended absence would be a significant blow to Pakistan’s plans ahead of the T20 World Cup, where he is expected to lead the pace attack.

According to PCB sources, Shaheen will undergo detailed scans and a structured rehabilitation programme at the Lahore facility. The board is keen to avoid rushing him back into competitive action, particularly given his history of knee-related issues. Medical experts will monitor his progress closely before making any decision regarding his return to international cricket.

Shaheen’s potential unavailability has already sparked discussions among fans and analysts about Pakistan’s bowling combinations for the T20 World Cup. While Pakistan does have depth in fast bowling, replacing Shaheen’s experience and match-winning ability will not be easy. Bowlers such as Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and emerging talents may have to shoulder additional responsibility if Shaheen is ruled out or not fully fit in time.

For now, the PCB has not provided a definitive timeline for Shaheen Afridi’s recovery, stating that his participation in the T20 World Cup will depend entirely on medical advice and rehabilitation progress. Fans will be hoping for a swift recovery, but the focus remains firmly on ensuring the pacer returns to full fitness rather than risking long-term damage.

As Pakistan prepares for a busy international calendar, Shaheen Afridi’s injury serves as a reminder of the physical demands placed on modern fast bowlers and the importance of workload management in elite cricket.