After a strong start that included taking two wickets in the first over, Shaheen Afridi’s performance was cut short as he bowled only five overs before leaving the pitch due to discomfort. This has raised concerns for the Pakistan Cricket Team as their key fast bowler, Shaheen Afridi, suffered an injury scare during the PAK vs NEP opener. During the match, Shaheen consulted with the team doctor and physio before exiting the field. His presence is crucial for Pakistan’s upcoming match against India in the Asia Cup 2023 on September 2, as well as their overall success in the World Cup 2023.
Shaheen Afridi’s impressive display in the Asia Cup 2023 opener saw him take two wickets in the very first over against Nepal. He managed to bowl five overs, conceding 27 runs while taking two wickets. However, his discomfort while fielding led to a consultation with the doctor, who advised him to leave the field.
The scorching temperature in Multan, exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, might have contributed to Shaheen’s discomfort. With the India match just three days away, Pakistan chose not to take any risks and promptly took Shaheen back to the dressing room.
However, his rhythm appeared to be off during the game. While the intense heat and humidity could have played a role, Pakistan is being cautious considering the upcoming IND vs PAK match in just three days.
Shaheen Afridi has consistently posed a challenge for top batsmen like Rohit Sharma. His skillful inswinging deliveries have caused problems for Indian batsmen, and India is expected to remain watchful of his threat.
In the past, Shaheen Afridi missed the Asia Cup 2022 due to a knee injury. During the T20 World Cup 2022 final against England, he was limited to bowling only 2.1 overs due to his injury. Given the significance of the Asia Cup 2023 as a crucial tournament leading up to the World Cup 2023, Pakistan is in need of their star pacemaker being in peak physical condition.
However, the demanding schedule of the Asia Cup, with its short turnaround times and extensive travel, poses challenges.
After the clash with Nepal in Multan, Shaheen Afridi is set to fly to Sri Lanka on Thursday for the highly anticipated match against India at Pallekele on September 2. Within just 24 hours (by September 3), he will return to Lahore for a Super Four game on September 6. Subsequently, Pakistan will once again travel to Sri Lanka the following day for their match on September 9.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Babar Azam stated, “As professionals, we are prepared for any schedule that is given to us. Despite the travel and consecutive matches, we are well-prepared. Our coaching staff has devised plans to manage player utilization, and our travel arrangements are designed to provide sufficient rest time.”