LAHORE: Pakistani pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi has been told a two-week rehabilitation period after injuring his knee during the T20 World Cup Final against England in Melbourne.
The 22-year-old was forced off the pitch after re-injuring his right knee as he caught England slugger Harry Brook on 13th time in England’s pursuit.
“Pakistani fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been advised of a two-week rehabilitation after landing awkwardly while taking Harry Brook’s catch during Sunday’s ICC Men’s. T20 World Cup 2022 final in Melbourne,” Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.
“The CT scan taken on Monday morning before the team left for Pakistan confirmed that there were no signs of injury and that the knee discomfort was likely ‘due to forced flexion of the knee during the landing “.”
Afridi had previously suffered a right knee ligament injury in July in a test match against Sri Lanka but managed to make it to the squad for the T20 showpiece.
On Sunday, Afridi returned to the pitch and tried to overthrow the 16th but couldn’t finish it.
“The scans were discussed between PCB Chief Medical Officer Dr Najeebullah Soomro and Australian knee specialist Dr Peter D’Alessandro and it was reassuring to know there was no injury. The left arm fast bowler feels better and is in good spirits.
“Shaheen will undergo a rehabilitation and conditioning program designed to strengthen his knee at the National High Performance Center within days of his return to Pakistan.”
Afridi, who won 11 wickets in seven matches at the T20 World Cup, is likely to miss the home Test series against England and New Zealand in December-January.
“Shaheen’s return to international cricket will depend on the success of the champion fast bowler’s rehabilitation program and the green light from medical staff,” the PCB said.
Afridi’s injury was a highlight of the final as Iftikhar Ahmed, who completed his over, conceded a four and a six as England chased the target with six balls to spare.
The 22-year-old was forced off the pitch after re-injuring his right knee as he caught England slugger Harry Brook on 13th time in England’s pursuit.
“Pakistani fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been advised of a two-week rehabilitation after landing awkwardly while taking Harry Brook’s catch during Sunday’s ICC Men’s. T20 World Cup 2022 final in Melbourne,” Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.
“The CT scan taken on Monday morning before the team left for Pakistan confirmed that there were no signs of injury and that the knee discomfort was likely ‘due to forced flexion of the knee during the landing “.”
Afridi had previously suffered a right knee ligament injury in July in a test match against Sri Lanka but managed to make it to the squad for the T20 showpiece.
On Sunday, Afridi returned to the pitch and tried to overthrow the 16th but couldn’t finish it.
“The scans were discussed between PCB Chief Medical Officer Dr Najeebullah Soomro and Australian knee specialist Dr Peter D’Alessandro and it was reassuring to know there was no injury. The left arm fast bowler feels better and is in good spirits.
“Shaheen will undergo a rehabilitation and conditioning program designed to strengthen his knee at the National High Performance Center within days of his return to Pakistan.”
Afridi, who won 11 wickets in seven matches at the T20 World Cup, is likely to miss the home Test series against England and New Zealand in December-January.
“Shaheen’s return to international cricket will depend on the success of the champion fast bowler’s rehabilitation program and the green light from medical staff,” the PCB said.
Afridi’s injury was a highlight of the final as Iftikhar Ahmed, who completed his over, conceded a four and a six as England chased the target with six balls to spare.
