Pakistan will have the services of their pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi for the two warm-up games against England and Afghanistan ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia after he missed the Asia Cup in the UAE, the seven-match T20I series against England and the Tri-series currently underway in New Zealand due to a right-knee ligament injury.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The young pace bowler, who wrecked India in Pakistan's 10-wicket win against the arch-rivals in the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, will join the Babar Azam-led squad in Australia after undergoing a rehabilitation programme under the supervision of the PCB Medical Advisory Committee.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The two warm-up games are scheduled on October 17 and 19 respectively, following which the team will play India in the blockbuster Super 12 match on October 23 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I am super excited at the prospect of re-joining the national side for the T20 World Cup and playing my part in the campaign," Shaheen was quoted as saying by ICC. "It has been a difficult period for me to be away from the game and the team I love the most, and not be part of some gruelling and exciting matches.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"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 match environment and I can't wait to be in that setting," added Afridi.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shaheen's match fitness will be assessed by the team management during the two warm-up matches. Shaheen Afridi had departed for London to complete rehabilitation following an injury to the right knee ligament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n