LAHORE – Pakistan’s bowling spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi has provided a massive sigh of relief to fans and selectors alike. On Thursday, January 8, 2026, the pacer revealed that his latest knee injury—sustained during his stint with the Brisbane Heat in Australia—is far less severe than initially feared.
After returning to Pakistan midway through the BBL for specialized treatment at the High Performance Centre (HPC), Shaheen confirmed that he is on track to be fully fit for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
The Road to Recovery: “One Week, Not One Month”
Shaheen’s injury occurred while fielding in the BBL, sparking immediate concerns given his history of major knee surgeries in 2021 and 2022. However, the latest medical reports suggest a much swifter comeback.
- MRI Results: Shaheen noted that the scans showed only “slight swelling on the bone” rather than any ligament or meniscus damage.
- Current Routine: He is currently restricted to gym work and light batting practice to maintain overall fitness without putting undue stress on the joint.
- Bowling Return: The pacer expects to resume his bowling run-up and delivery as early as next week.
- Quote: “This injury is not as serious as the previous ones… I don’t think it will take a month; it should be closer to a week,” Shaheen told ESPNcricinfo.
BBL Struggles and Management
Before the injury, Shaheen’s performance in the Big Bash League was uncharacteristically lackluster. His struggle to find rhythm was evident in his statistics:
- Matches: 4
- Wickets: 2
- Average: 76.50
- Notable Incident: Taken out of the attack in his first match after bowling two beamers/full tosses, a sign of rustiness or discomfort.
Despite the positive injury news, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is taking a cautious approach. Shaheen was notably absent from the squad for the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka (Jan 7–11), as the board prioritizes his long-term availability for the World Cup.
Shaheen’s Injury History: A Recurring Pattern
The left-armer’s fitness has been a central theme in Pakistan’s tactical planning over the last four years.
| Year | Event/Match | Injury Type | Recovery Time |
| 2022 | Test vs Sri Lanka | ACL/Ligament Injury | 4-5 Months (Missed Asia Cup) |
| 2022 | T20 WC Final vs ENG | Aggravated Knee | 3 Months (Post-Surgery Rehab) |
| 2026 | BBL (Brisbane Heat) | Bone Swelling | Estimated 1-2 Weeks |