More than losing the T20 World Cup final against England yesterday, what really was a matter of concern for the Pakistan fans was the fact that the injury of their premier fast bowler Shaheen Afridi surfaced once again during the course of the game.
Shaheen Afridi had suffered a ligament injury in his knee while playing in the test series in Sri Lanka, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later said he had completely recovered for T20 World Cup after remaining on the sidelines for 3 months.
However, when Shaheen bowled in Pakistan’s first game in T20 World Cup against India, he looked nowhere near his 100% and seemed to be bowling at quite a low pace as compared to the pace he generally operates at.
As the tournament progressed, Shaheen seemed to be making some progress, but it all came back to square one when he injured the same knee again while trying to take a catch of Harry Brook at the long-off boundary in the T20 World Cup final yesterday. The catch was completed, but Shaheen couldn’t bowl his remaining two overs in the game after that.
Iftikhar Ahmad had to complete the quota of Shaheen Afridi in T20 World Cup final
One of those two remaining overs of Shaheen was bowled by the part time spinner Iftikhar Ahmad which made the job easy for England. The reports suggest now that Afridi might be out for a few months because of the resurfaced injury, although a clarification has come from PCB which says he just needs a 2-week rehabilitation.
It will be interesting to see if Shaheen plays in the upcoming test series against England which Pakistan has to play at home, but the Pakistan fans are very worried about his fitness and have been requesting the PCB to provide the left armer as much rest as he needs.
Here are the twitter reactions of the Pakistan fans on Shaheen’s resurfaced knee injury –
Even if he recovers, I don’t think he will ever be the same. I wish they didn’t bring him back for a stupid WC… https://t.co/PCxXWuOXp0
Advertisement— – (@omairraslam) November 14, 2022
He needs to be protected at any cost. Shaheen is so precious for us @TheRealPCB https://t.co/y76ccVpNsM
— Ambreeeen.. (@Nostalgicc_A) November 14, 2022
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If PCB doesn’t,the fans should sponsor his treatment at the best facility. He is precarious and must be protected at any cost. https://t.co/EypTLgbFyX
Advertisement— Osama 🇵🇰 (@Osama_z1a) November 14, 2022
Dont care if he misses an entire year if thats what it takes to recover properly. Just get him fixed properly. 50 over world cup is in october next year. No need to rush him back before that. https://t.co/2pgUJqLPXR
— Berke Khan (@WrathOfTatars) November 14, 2022
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Make him fit, even if it takes 6 months. Don't hurry his recovery to risk his career and another final of another tournament. https://t.co/bJZ3NMI4H6
Advertisement— Bombur. (@JunnysIife) November 14, 2022
Life can be soooo unfair he spent months recovering to get injured not even a month after he started playing again. In’sha’Allah next time he comes back he’ll be 1000% physically fit and better than ever. https://t.co/iFtsQCZBSB
— z (@zarnnj) November 14, 2022
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idc if he has to miss the WC if he's not fit khuda ka waasta don't bring him back, let him rest and recover, we can't lose one of the best pace bowlers not just in Pakistan but in the world https://t.co/EguaGxqLNz
Advertisement— taimur (@taimur3124) November 14, 2022
Shaheen you can take my knee 😞 https://t.co/vGvavGjSDx
— Hania (@hania19x) November 14, 2022
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