Shaheen Shah Afridi, a fast bowler for Pakistan, will join the team on Saturday (October 15), as scheduled, for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022 in Brisbane, having completed his rehabilitation program under the guidance of the PCB Medical Advisory Committee.
According to a press statement, Shaheen is now available for selection for the squad’s warm-up games against Afghanistan and England on October 17 and 19, respectively. During these games, the team management will evaluate Shaheen’s match fitness.
Shaheen Shah Afridi Said: “I am super excited at the prospect of rejoining the national side for the T20 World Cup and playing my part in the campaign. It has been a difficult period for me to be away from the game and the team I love the most, and not be part of some grueling and exciting matches.
He will be available for selection for the October 17 and 19 exhibition games against England and Afghanistan, when the team management will evaluate his level of match fitness. Afridi revealed that for the past 10 days, he has been bowling six to eight overs with full run-up and pace without any issues.
“I have been bowling six to eight overs trouble-free for the past 10 days with full run-up and pace. While I have enjoyed bowling and batting in the nets, nothing can replace the feel of a match environment and I can’t wait to be in that setting.
“It has been a rigorous and challenging rehabilitation program, but I have thoroughly enjoyed it. To be honest, I am feeling fitter than ever before and can’t wait to wear the playing kit.
“I want to thank the PCB Medical Advisory Committee as well as the Crystal Palace F.C. for allowing me to use their outstanding facilities and looking after me so well during the rehabilitation program.”
Along with Shaheen and National High-Performance Center coach Umar Rashid, opener Fakhar Zaman will also travel to Brisbane for the T20 World Cup. He is one of the three traveling reserves. Under the direction of PCB’s Chief Medical Officer and team physician Dr. Najeebullah Soomro, Fakhar will finish his rehabilitation after which a decision about his participation, if necessary, would be made.
Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad, the head of medical services at the Queens Park Rangers football club and co-chair of the FA Medical Society, and Dr. Zafar Iqbal are members of the PCB Medical Advisory Committee (Consultant Sports & Exercise Medicine at the Crystal Palace Football Club & Co-chair FA Medical Society and has previously worked with Tottenham Hotspur FC, Liverpool FC, and Kent County Cricket Club).
The members provide independent medical advice to PCB Chief Medical Officer Dr. Najeebullah Soomro (who is also a Member of the ICC Medical Advisory Committee).
