BIG BLOW for PAKISTAN! Shaheen Afridi out of Asia Cup due to injury

Rotterdam: Pakistan's premier pace bowler Shaheen Afridi has been ruled out of the upcoming Asia Cup and home series against England as he is yet to recover from a knee injury.

He however is expected to play in the T20I world Cup.

Afridi, who has been undergoing a rehabilitation programme in Netherlands with Team Pakistan, has been advised four to six weeks rest following the latest medical scans.

The Pakistani pacer however will not be sent back, but remain with the team, a Pakistan Cricket Board release said.

Afridi has been out of action since July after he picked up a right knee ligament injury while fielding in the first Test against Sri Lanka.

PCB expects Afridi's return in the T20I tri-series in New Zealand, which also features Bangladesh. The series is set to begin on October 7.

“I have spoken with Shaheen and he is understandably upset with the news, but he is a brave young man who has vowed to come back strongly to serve his country and team. Although he has made progress during his rehabilitation in Rotterdam, it is now clear he will require more time and is likely to return to competitive cricket in October.

"PCB’s Sports & Exercise Medicine Department will be working closely with the player over the coming weeks to ensure his safe return to competitive cricket," PCB Chief Medical Officer Dr Najeebullah Soomro said. (UNI)