Karachi, Dec 31 (UNI): Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been forced to cut short his maiden Big Bash League (BBL) stint after sustaining a knee injury while representing Brisbane Heat, the franchise confirmed.
The left-arm pacer suffered a cartilage injury while fielding during the Heat’s last-over win against the Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba on Saturday night.
Following consultations between the Brisbane Heat and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) medical staff, it was decided that Shaheen would return home for further treatment ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
In a post on social media platform X, the pacer said, “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.”
Afridi struggled during his brief spell with Brisbane Heat, claiming only two wickets in four matches while maintaining a costly economy rate of 11.19.
In his season opener, he was taken out of the attack in the 18th over after delivering two waist-high full tosses to Melbourne Renegades batsmen Tim Seifert and Oliver Peake.
The Heat are now exploring replacement options for the remainder of the competition, while Shaheen will focus on recovery as Pakistan gears up for the T20 World Cup, scheduled for February–March, 2026.
