Shaheen Afridi out of BBL due to knee injury, set to return home

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s much-anticipated Big Bash League (BBL) debut was cut short due to a knee injury that will see the Pakistan pacer return home, Brisbane Heat said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Afridi suffered a knee cartilage injury while fielding in the Heat’s final over win over the Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba on Saturday night,” the Heat said in a statement today.

After consulting with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) medical staff during the past 24 hours, it was agreed that Shaheen would cut short his BBL stint to return home for further treatment ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, it added.

The 25-year-old appeared to have picked up the injury while bowling in the 14th over of Strikers’ chase of Heat’s 179 for 9 on December 27 when he limped off pointing to his right knee.

“I’m massively thankful to the Brisbane Heat team and fans for showering me with immense love and support,” Shaheen said in a post on social media.

“Due to an unexpected injury, I have been called back by the PCB and will have to take a rehab. Hopefully, I will be back in the field soon. Meanwhile, I will be cheering for the amazing team.”

Earlier this month, the fast bowler was withdrawn from the attack for dangerous bowling during the Heat’s clash against Melbourne Renegades after he sent down two waist-high full-tosses to Tim Seifert and Oliver Peake in the 18th over of the Renegades’ innings.

According to Heat, Shaheen told his teammates he was saddened that his debut stint at the BBL ended prematurely.

“I have enjoyed myself a lot playing for Brisbane, and I am sad that I will not be able to finish the season with the team.”

The Heat’s CEO Terry Svenson said the club thanked Afridi for his commitment to the Heat.

“Despite his season not finishing the way he would have liked, he has been a thorough professional, and we have been pleased to welcome him to Brisbane and the Heat,’’ he said.

“I know our young bowlers in the squad have benefited greatly from his advice and suggestions, and he has had strong input into the team’s performances overall.

“We wish him a speedy recovery and all the best in his preparations now for the T20 World Cup.”

Svenson said the club was investigating options to replace Shaheen for the remainder of the competition.

Acting Heat captain Xavier Bartlett said Shaheen had been an excellent teammate.

“The conversations that the other bowlers and I have had with Shaheen about bowling and match situations have been of great value.

“He fitted in very easily into the squad, and it was a pleasure to have played alongside him.”