After completing his rehabilitation programme under the guidance of the PCB Medical Advisory Committee, Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will re-join the national team as scheduled on Saturday, October 15, for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022 in Brisbane.
Shaheen is now available for selection for the warm-up games on October 17 against England and on October 19 against Afghanistan, respectively. During these games, the team management will evaluate Shaheen’s level of match fitness.
In order to participate in the campaign and rejoin the national team for the T20 World Cup, Shaheen Shah Afridi expressed his extreme excitement.
“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. 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 programme, 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 programme.”
Meanwhile, opener Fakhar Zaman, who is one of the three traveling reserves for the T20 World Cup, will also travel to Brisbane with Shaheen and National High-Performance Centre coach Umar Rashid.
Fakhar will complete his rehabilitation under the supervision of PCB’s Chief Medical Officer and team doctor Dr Najeebullah Soomro, following which a decision on his participation if required, will be made.
