Shaheen ruled out

Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has been ruled out of the upcoming Asia Cup with a knee injury, Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed on Saturday.

The 22-year-old has a ligament injury in his right knee which he picked up during their Test against Sri Lanka in Galle in July.

Following scans and reports, Shaheen has been advised to be on rest for the next four to six weeks. This means he will not just miss the Asia Cup, starting on August 27, but also the seven-match Twenty20 International series against England at home.

Dr Najeebullah Soomro, PCB’s Chief Medical Officer, said that Shaheen was expectedly upset with the news.

“I have spoken with Shaheen and he is understandably upset with the news, but he is a brave young man who has vowed to come back strongly to serve his country and team. Although he has made progress during his rehabilitation in Rotterdam, it is now clear he will require more time and is likely to return to competitive cricket in October.

“I have spoken with Shaheen and he is understandably upset with the news, but he is a brave young man who has vowed to come back strongly to serve his country and team. Although he has made progress during his rehabilitation in Rotterdam, it is now clear he will require more time and is likely to return to competitive cricket in October,” Soomro said.

Pakistan are currently in Netherlands playing a three-match One-Day International series.

PCB informed that they will announce Shaheen’s replacement for the Asia Cup soon.