&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Pakistan’s premier pacer Shaheen Afridi ruled out of BBL, set to return home")
Pakistan’s premier pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will return home from Australia after sustaining a knee injury during the Big Bash League (BBL), raising concerns ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Afridi, who was playing for Brisbane Heat in his first BBL season, could only feature in four games before being sidelined. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called Afridi back to start his rehabilitation, ensuring he recovers fully before the T20 World Cup scheduled in India and Sri Lanka in February-March.
Afridi picked up the injury while bowling in the 14th over of Adelaide Strikers’ chase during Heat’s match on December 27. He limped off the field, pointing to his right knee, forcing the team to manage without their star pacer. “This was an unexpected injury, and I have been called back by PCB to start my rehab. I’m massively thankful to the Brisbane Heat team and fans for their support. Hopefully, I will be back in the field soon, and meanwhile, I will be cheering for the amazing team.”
Also read | WPL 2026: Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland withdraw from tournament, replacements announced
Afridi’s stint with Brisbane Heat had mixed moments. In his four appearances, he picked up just two wickets with an economy rate of 11.19. In his first match, he was removed from the attack for sending down two waist-high full tosses, deemed dangerous, against Melbourne Renegades. Despite the setback, Heat CEO Terry Svenson praised Afridi’s professionalism and noted that his advice had been valuable for young bowlers in the squad.
Afridi has a history of right knee injuries, including a posterior cruciate ligament issue in 2022 that affected his participation in the early stages of the T20 World Cup. He later recovered to contribute to Pakistan’s campaign but picked up another injury in the final, which affected the team’s performance.
Ahead of the World Cup, PCB’s decision to call Afridi back emphasises caution, allowing him to fully recover and regain form. Afridi remains one of Pakistan’s key strike bowlers, having led the wicket-taking charts at the home tri-series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
Trending Stories
)
Anthropic reveals India is Claude AI's No. 2 market. But what are Indians actually using the AI for? | WION Decodes
)
Assam floods 2026: Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt and other Bollywood celebrities extend support to affected families
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
British Airways flight comes close to 'nosediving' over London
)
Ramayana trailer X review: Ranbir Kapoor, Yash shine in a visual spectacle fans call 'cinema at its finest'
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
Netanyahu spent thousands of dollars on garden maintenance in wartime, report says | Gravitas
)
Student denied admission to IIT Kanpur's cybersecurity program hacks websites to prove a point
)
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke returns to Maharashtra, receives grand welcome in hometown
)
Claude AI down? Anthropic confirms outage as users face errors across chatbot and API
)
Lift accident? Maintenance, builders & makers are ALL liable now, rules Supreme Court: 3 major regulations | WION Decodes
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
Mysterious projectile leaves massive crater in Poland near Ukraine border, probe launched
)
Kangana Ranaut clarifies her 'Generation Gutter' remark: 'Gen Z of our country are taking us to such heights' - watch
)
ITR filing without Form 16? Here’s how salaried taxpayers can submit returns before July 31 deadline
)
Commonwealth Games 2026 Day 8: India's full schedule, medal events and match timings
)
582 tonnes, 150 million°C, 60 years: WION Decodes the mind-boggling numbers behind China's 'Artificial Sun'
)
28-year-old woman PhD scholar dies of electrocution on Panjab University campus
)
Ramayana Part 1 trailer out! Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash lead Nitesh Tiwari’s epic saga
)
23ft python swallows man returning from party in Indonesia; family find body whole inside reptile
)
Brewery offering 'free beer' the day Trump dies has license revoked - 'Will have to pry me out of my taprooms'
)
3.6mn people track 24hr Qantas flight from Melbourne to Toulouse: Pilot shifts, fuel tank and other details
)
Delhi Consumer Court fines Indian Railways Rs 25,000 for making RAC passengers share one blanket
)
Indian forces used pellet guns on Jul 20? SC hearing, police diary entry, MLC report and injured protesters' claims
)
Missile lands in Poland, leaves crater as PM Donald Tusk says 'all indications' point to Moscow
)
DSP among 7 policemen killed as militants storm Pakistan checkpost; 8 attackers dead
)
Nearly Rs 29 crore cash, 15 kg gold found at ex-bus driver's house in West Bengal
)
North Korean colonel killed by firing squad for stealing grain as 'deeply shaken' officers watched
)
Are you an Indian on an H-1B visa? New US bill could make getting Green Card easier
)
NEET Protests riddled with misinformation? Delhi Police blocks 480 Pakistan-based handles spreading 'fake news' since Operation Sindoor
He also captains Lahore Qalandars in the PSL, leading them to the title last year and performing strongly in knockout matches. With the T20 World Cup only weeks away, Afridi’s rehabilitation will be crucial for Pakistan’s preparations, and fans will be hoping for a quick and full recovery from their premier pacer.
