<p>With Pakistan's tour of the Netherlands fast approaching, team captain Babar Azam recently opened up about Shaheen Afridi's fitness, which has been a matter of great discourse after he was shackled to the sidelines due to an injury. He admitted that the team was hoping for him to find his way back to active contention sooner rather than later.</p>

<p>In addition to their tour of the Netherlands, the Pakistani squadron is also hurtling towards a clash against India in the Asia Cup. They are set to lock horns with each other on August 28th. Afridi, who played a vital role against&nbsp;India during their memorable win at the 2021 T20 World Cup, will most certainly be the biggest threat to the Men in Blue yet again.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-gautam-gambhir-kamran-akmal-got-involved-in-an-ugly-spat-during-indo-pak-2010-asia-cup-tie-506235" hreflang="en">When Gambhir, Kamran got involved in an ugly spat during 2010 India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash</a></p>

<p>Before the team set off on its journey&nbsp;to participate in the tour of the Netherlands and the Asia Cup, Azam lifted the lid on Afridi's availability. He declared that the ace pacer will be travelling with the team while being cared for by the team doctor and physio. He further admitted that he was hoping to offer the 22-year-old some game time to prepare him for the highly anticipated Asia Cup match against India.</p>

<p>“There are concerns over Shaheen's fitness. We are taking him along because the doctor and the physio are travelling with the team, so he can be looked after well. We are thinking from a long-term perspective. There is the Asia Cup and the World Cup as well. We are trying to ensure he can get ready as soon as possible. We are hoping that he can play at least one match in the Netherlands. If not, then hopefully he can play in the Asia Cup," Azam said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sourav-ganguly-spearheads-indias-charge-in-special-legends-league-of-cricket-match-506178" hreflang="en">Sourav Ganguly to lead India vs World Giants in 75th year of Indian Independence special match</a></p>

<p>Afridi is an uber essential cog in Pakistan's machine&nbsp;as his absence during the team's second Test against Sri Lanka cost them the game. The team will most certainly have their fingers crossed, hoping for the 2021&nbsp;ICC's Player of the Year to find his way back to fitness&nbsp;before their forthcoming matches.</p>


With Pakistan's tour of the Netherlands fast approaching, team captain Babar Azam recently opened up about Shaheen Afridi's fitness, which has been a matter of great discourse after he was shackled to the sidelines due to an injury.

With Pakistan's tour of the Netherlands fast approaching, team captain Babar Azam recently opened up about Shaheen Afridi's fitness, which has been a matter of great discourse after he was shackled to the sidelines due to an injury. He admitted that the team was hoping for him to find his way back to active contention sooner rather than later. In addition to their tour of the Netherlands, the Pakistani squadron is also hurtling towards a clash against India in the Asia Cup. They are set to lock horns with each other on August 28th. Afridi, who played a vital role against India during their memorable win at the 2021 T20 World Cup, will most certainly be the biggest threat to the Men in Blue yet again. ALSO READ: When Gambhir, Kamran got involved in an ugly spat during 2010 India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash Before the team set off on its journey to participate in the tour of the Netherlands and the Asia Cup, Azam lifted the lid on Afridi's availability. He declared that the ace pacer will be travelling with the team while being cared for by the team doctor and physio. He further admitted that he was hoping to offer the 22-year-old some game time to prepare him for the highly anticipated Asia Cup match against India. “There are concerns over Shaheen's fitness. We are taking him along because the doctor and the physio are travelling with the team, so he can be looked after well. We are thinking from a long-term perspective. There is the Asia Cup and the World Cup as well. We are trying to ensure he can get ready as soon as possible. We are hoping that he can play at least one match in the Netherlands. If not, then hopefully he can play in the Asia Cup," Azam said. ALSO READ: Sourav Ganguly to lead India vs World Giants in 75th year of Indian Independence special match Afridi is an uber essential cog in Pakistan's machine as his absence during the team's second Test against Sri Lanka cost them the game. The team will most certainly have their fingers crossed, hoping for the 2021 ICC's Player of the Year to find his way back to fitness before their forthcoming matches.

Asia Cup: Babar Azam provides injury update on pacer Shaheen Afridi as India clash inches closer

<p>Pakistan's star pacer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shaheen-afridi-rattles-kl-rahuls-stumps-with-an-unplaybale-yorker-in-india-pakistan-clash-in-t20-wc-watch-423609">Shaheen Shah Afridi</a> did most of the damage to the Indian innings as he send India's top order packing in India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup contest on Sunday (October 24) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-ind-vs-pak-t20wc-virat-kohlis-fifty-helps-india-post-151-runs-on-the-board-against-pakistan-423513">Get LIVE updates here!</a></p>

<p>Afridi (3/31 in 4 overs) had Rohit trapped in front of the wicket for a duck and then bowled KL Rahul after the batsman had run three singles. He also took Virat Kohli's wicket in the 19th over but gave away 19 runs.</p>

<p>Will those 19 runs prove decisive?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Virat Kohli's led from the front with a vital half-century as India recovered from a disastrous start to post a challenging 151 for seven. Besides Kohli's 49-ball 57, Rishabh Pant slammed 39 in 30 deliveries.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-achieves-staggering-milestone-with-fifty-against-pakistan-in-t20-world-cup-2021-clash-423652">Virat Kohli achieves staggering milestone with fifty against Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2021 clash</a></strong></p>

<p>During the innings break, Shaheen Afridi said, "Glad I was able to execute the team plan. The plan was pick early wickets and then come back in the death and pick wickets again."</p>

<p>"I worked hard on my swing yesterday in the nets. It becomes easy for batsmen if it doesn't. I didn't mind going for runs in order to pick up wickets. [On the chase] The new ball will be difficult but the ball is coming onto the bat nicely. Hopefully we'll be able to chase this easily," he added.</p>

<p><strong>T20 World Cup in Pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/t20-world-cup-in-pics-indias-captain-virat-kohli-thwarts-pakistan-423615">India's captain Virat Kohli thwarts Pakistan</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pure 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvPAK</a> <a href="https://t.co/IxSKyuJhLD">https://t.co/IxSKyuJhLD</a></p>
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/T20WorldCup/status/1452278816475389959?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shaheen Shah Afridi after wearing No 10 hits different. What a delivery that was to dismiss KL Rahul. ❤<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/7b4dNbf3Ys">pic.twitter.com/7b4dNbf3Ys</a></p>
— Daniyal Mirza (@Danitweets___) <a href="https://twitter.com/Danitweets___/status/1452278602515591179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>At toss, pakistan skipper Babar Azam said,&nbsp;"We are going to bowl first. We'll look to take early wickets and put pressure. Dew is also a factor."</p>

<p>"We have had good practice sessions and am confident about our preparations."</p>

<p>"Pakistan's bowlers are known to trouble other teams but I am confident about our batting too."</p>


Pakistan's star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi did most of the damage to the Indian innings as he send India's top order packing in India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup contest on Sunday (October 24) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan's star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi did most of the damage to the Indian innings as he send India's top order packing in India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup contest on Sunday (October 24) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Get LIVE updates here! Afridi (3/31 in 4 overs) had Rohit trapped in front of the wicket for a duck and then bowled KL Rahul after the batsman had run three singles. He also took Virat Kohli's wicket in the 19th over but gave away 19 runs. Will those 19 runs prove decisive? Virat Kohli's led from the front with a vital half-century as India recovered from a disastrous start to post a challenging 151 for seven. Besides Kohli's 49-ball 57, Rishabh Pant slammed 39 in 30 deliveries. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli achieves staggering milestone with fifty against Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2021 clash During the innings break, Shaheen Afridi said, "Glad I was able to execute the team plan. The plan was pick early wickets and then come back in the death and pick wickets again." "I worked hard on my swing yesterday in the nets. It becomes easy for batsmen if it doesn't. I didn't mind going for runs in order to pick up wickets. [On the chase] The new ball will be difficult but the ball is coming onto the bat nicely. Hopefully we'll be able to chase this easily," he added. T20 World Cup in Pics: India's captain Virat Kohli thwarts Pakistan Pure 🔥#T20WorldCup #INDvPAK https://t.co/IxSKyuJhLD — T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) October 24, 2021 × Shaheen Shah Afridi after wearing No 10 hits different. What a delivery that was to dismiss KL Rahul. ❤#T20WorldCup #PAKvIND pic.twitter.com/7b4dNbf3Ys — Daniyal Mirza (@Danitweets___) October 24, 2021 × View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) × At toss, pakistan skipper Babar Azam said, "We are going to bowl first. We'll look to take early wickets and put pressure. Dew is also a factor." "We have had good practice sessions and am confident about our preparations." "Pakistan's bowlers are known to trouble other teams but I am confident about our batting too."

WATCH: Shaheen Afridi runs through India's top-order with stunning spell in T20 World Cup clash

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Asia Cup: Babar Azam provides injury update on pacer Shaheen Afridi as India clash inches closer

WATCH: Shaheen Afridi runs through India's top-order with stunning spell in T20 World Cup clash