Srinagar: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced that star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi is set to join Pakistan T20 squad in Australia for the T20 World Cup on October 15.
“Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will join the national squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022 in Brisbane as per schedule on Saturday, 15 October, after undergoing his rehabilitation programme under the supervision of the PCB Medical Advisory Committee at the Crystal Palace Football Club,” PCB statement said.
Consequently, Shaheen is now available for selection for the 17 and 19 October warm-up matches against England and Afghanistan, respectively during which his match fitness will be assessed by the team management, statement said.
“I am super excited at the prospects of rejoining the national side for the T20 World Cup and playing my part in our Australia campaign. It has been a difficult period for me to be miles away from the game and the team I love the most, and not be part of some grueling and exciting matches,” statement quoted Shaheen Afridi.
“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 the match environment and I can’t wait to be in that setting,” it further said.
“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 and fire a few thunderbolts,” it said.
“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,” it added.
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 decision on his participation, if required, will be made.
“The PCB Medical Advisory Committee includes London-based Dr Imtiaz Ahmad (Head of Medical Services at the Queens Park Rangers Football Club & Co-chair FA Medical Society) and Dr Zafar Iqbal (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). Thee members provide independent medical advice to PCB Chief Medical Officer Dr Najeebullah Soomro (who is also a Member of ICC Medical Advisory Committee),” PCB statement added.