Shaheen Afridi Returns to Pakistan from BBL Due to Knee Injury

Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s ace fast bowler, had to cut his Big Bash League (BBL) stint short because he hurt his knee while playing for the Brisbane Heat. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wants him back home from Australia so he can start getting better, especially with the T20 World Cup 2026 coming up in India and Sri Lanka soon.

It’s a bummer that Afridi had to leave the BBL early; everyone was looking forward to seeing him play. He was made Pakistan’s captain this year, but he’s had knee problems before, so the PCB is being careful to make sure he’s in top shape for the World Cup.

How He Got Hurt

Afridi got injured during the Brisbane Heat’s match against the Adelaide Strikers on December 27. He had to limp off the field, holding his right knee, when the Strikers were chasing 179 runs. The PCB and Brisbane Heat thought it was best for him to go back to Pakistan for treatment, even though they’re still checking him out.

This isn’t the first time Afridi’s had knee trouble. Back in 2022, he messed up his posterior cruciate ligament while fielding in a Test match in Sri Lanka. That kept him out of the beginning of the T20 World Cup and messed with Pakistan’s bowling plans. He came back later in the tournament, but another injury at a critical point stopped him from bowling when it mattered most, and England took advantage and won.

Since the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is getting close, the PCB wants to make sure Afridi is healthy in the long run, even if it means he can’t play in the BBL right now.

His BBL Performance

Even though Afridi’s time in the BBL was short, he showed how good he is at bowling. He took two wickets in four matches and bowled fast as usual, but he wasn’t always on point, with an economy rate of 11.19. In his first match, he got pulled from the attack for bowling two full-tosses that were too high, which is rare for him. But he still helped out the young Brisbane Heat bowlers by giving them advice and sharing his experience, which was helpful off the field.

Brisbane Heat’s Take

Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson said Afridi was professional and helped the team a lot. Even though his season didn’t end the way he wanted, he was a total pro, and we were happy to have him in Brisbane and with the Heat, Svenson said. Our young bowlers learned a lot from his advice, and he had a big impact on how the team played.

Afridi said he was thankful to the Brisbane Heat and their fans. He posted on social media, I’m super grateful to the Brisbane Heat team and fans for all the love and support. I have to go back to the PCB for rehab because of a surprise injury. Hopefully, I’ll be back on the field soon. I’ll be cheering for the team in the meantime!

Getting Ready for the T20 World Cup

The PCB’s choice to bring Afridi back shows that they’re serious about the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which starts in February 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. Afridi is still one of Pakistan’s key bowlers; he took the most wickets in the home tri-series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. He also bounced back from injuries and stayed in great form at the Asia Cup.

The PCB is making sure Afridi is ready to lead Pakistan’s bowling attack, since pace and death bowling are so important in T20 cricket. His leadership, skill, and experience make him a crucial part of Pakistan’s plan for the tournament.

Past Injury Problems

Afridi’s right knee has been a concern before. He had to do a lot of rehab after his posterior cruciate ligament injury in 2022 and came back to international cricket, but then he had more fitness problems during important matches. The PCB is managing his workload carefully and thinking about his long-term career by focusing on his recovery before the T20 World Cup.

Afridi’s ability to get back in shape and bowl fast has been key to Pakistan’s success in T20s. He’s known for his awesome yorkers, sharp bouncers, and ability to strike at important times. Pakistan has really missed him when he’s been out in the past, so this early rehab is a smart move.

What’s Next: PSL and More

After the T20 World Cup, Afridi is expected to lead the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He captained them to the title last year and was their best bowler in the knockout stages. Getting fully recovered before the World Cup will also help him perform well in the PSL and keep his momentum going in both domestic and international cricket.

Since the World Cup is only a few weeks away, Afridi will have an intense rehab program with physiotherapy, strengthening exercises, and supervised bowling sessions. His management and the PCB are hopeful that he’ll get back to full fitness and play a big role for Pakistan on the world stage.

In Conclusion

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s early departure from the Big Bash League because of a knee injury is a setback for him and the Brisbane Heat. But the PCB is taking charge to make sure Afridi is ready for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Known for his pace, deadly yorkers, and smart bowling, Afridi should recover and lead Pakistan’s bowling attack. His past experience, leadership, and toughness make him a valuable player for Pakistan in the World Cup and the PSL.

Fans and experts will be paying close attention to Afridi’s rehab, hoping he comes back stronger and dominates in T20 cricket. His situation shows how important fitness, careful workload management, and those little advantages are in today’s international cricket.