Pakistan speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi will join the national team ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 in Brisbane on Saturday, 15 October. He was declared fit after he underwent a rehabilitation programme under the supervision of the PCB Medical Advisory Committee at the Crystal Palace Football Club as well.
The left-arm pacer will be available for selection for the warm-up games against England and Afghanistan on October 17 and 19, respectively. The Pakistan think tank will assess his match fitness in these two games and accordingly take a call on his future participation.
Shaheen Afridi is looking forward to joining his teammates in Australia. He is keen to come past the difficult times and is keen to get into match stimulation. Speaking in a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), he 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 gruelling and exciting matches.”
Alhamdulillah, there is ease after every hardship.
Prayers requested. Can't wait to get started. 🇵🇰 https://t.co/rZkwT7MupH
— Shaheen Shah Afridi (@iShaheenAfridi) October 11, 2022
“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,” he further added.
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“I am fitter than ever before” – Shaheen Afridi
Shaheen Afridi threw light on his rehabilitation program and stressed that he is feeling fitter than ever. He will be key to Pakistan’s plans in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2022.
“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. 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,” Shaheen Shah Afridi concluded.
On the other hand, Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman, who is one of the three travelling reserves for the upcoming marquee event – the T20 World Cup, will also travel to Brisbane with Shaheen Afridi and National High-Performance Centre coach Umar Rashid as well.
However, Fakhar will complete his rehabilitation under the supervision of PCB’s Chief Medical Officer and team doctor Dr Najeebullah Soomro.
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