A knee niggle has cut short Shaheen Shah Afridi’s first taste of the Big Bash. Brisbane Heat confirmed the left-armer will fly back to Pakistan for rehabilitation under the Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical staff, with February’s T20 World Cup firmly on the horizon.
“I’m massively thankful to the Brisbane Heat team and fans for showering me with immense love and support,” Afridi posted on social media. “Due to an unexpected injury, I have been called back by the PCB and will have to take a rehab. Hopefully, I will be back in the field soon. Meanwhile, I will be cheering for the amazing team.”
The Heat expect their quick to be “further reviewed upon the team’s return from Adelaide”, where they meet the Strikers on Wednesday. That suggests one final medical once the squad is back together, after which Afridi is almost certain to board a flight to Lahore.
The setback is ill-timed for both player and club. Afridi managed only four BBL outings – two wickets, economy 11.19 – hardly the impact many anticipated when the 23-year-old headline act signed on. To make matters worse, his debut was marred by two waist-high full tosses that saw him banned from the attack for dangerous bowling. Sceptics jumped on the numbers, yet Heat insiders insist his presence has still been valuable.
“Despite his season not finishing the way he would have liked, he has been a thorough professional,” Brisbane Heat chief executive Terry Svenson said. “I know our young bowlers in the squad have benefitted greatly from his advice and suggestions, and he has had strong input into the team’s performances overall.”
The injury appeared during the 14th over of the Strikers chase on 27 December. Afridi pulled up, grabbed at his right knee – the same joint that troubled him in 2022 – and left the field. Given his history (a posterior cruciate ligament strain in Galle, followed by discomfort during the T20 World Cup final that year), the PCB has opted for caution. With the next global tournament barely five weeks away, the board seems in no mood to gamble.
From a Pakistan perspective, the silver lining is time. The quick will be back under national supervision, and team physios know his body well by now. If rehab goes to plan, he should still spearhead the attack in India and Sri Lanka. Straight after that comes the PSL, where Afridi captains Lahore Qalandars – fresh off lifting last season’s trophy – so there is plenty at stake.
Brisbane have injury headaches of their own. Wicketkeeper-batter Tom Alsop (knee) and skipper-in-waiting Nathan McSweeney (ankle) are nursing knocks, though both have resumed light training. Whether either is ready for the trip to Adelaide remains touch-and-go.
For Heat fans, losing a marquee signing stings, but the side has coped with disruption before. Expect Michael Neser and Spencer Johnson to shoulder a heavier new-ball load, while teenage quicks Liam Guthrie or Will Prestwidge could see extra overs.
As ever, Afridi’s timeline will depend on how the knee settles during the first fortnight of rehab. Pakistan supporters, and no doubt Heat followers too, will monitor each update, hoping the booming inswinger is back terrorising top orders sooner rather than later.
