Pakistan remains hopeful about Shaheen Afridi making a full recovery for the T20 World Cup 2026. The left-arm pacer had sustained a knee injury on December 27 while playing for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26.
While fielding against the Adelaide Strikers, Shaheen hurt his knee. Later, scans revealed he had suffered cartilage damage. The fast bowler was forced to depart prematurely from Australia and has been undergoing rehabilitation at the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) High-Performance Centre in Lahore.
Shaheen Afridi injury update
Prior to the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan T20I series, which commences on January 7 in Dambulla, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha was asked about Shaheen’s recovery. He remains hopeful that the pacer will be fit for selection by February 7, Pakistan’s T20 World Cup opener, but stated that the medical team at PCB will make the final call.
“We are hopeful he will be fit for the World Cup, but the final decision will come from the (Pakistan Cricket) Board on advice from the medical panel,” Salman told reporters in Dambulla.
Agha stated that playing in Sri Lanka will be perfect preparation for the T20 World Cup, especially for those players who haven’t played on the island before.
“This series will help the players a lot for the World Cup, especially those who haven’t played that much cricket in Sri Lanka,” he added.
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 schedule
| Date | Opposition | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 7 | Netherlands | Sinhalese Sports Club (Colombo), Sri Lanka | 11:00 AM |
| February 10 | USA | Sinhalese Sports Club (Colombo), Sri Lanka | 7:00 PM |
| February 15 | India | R. Premadasa Stadium (Colombo), Sri Lanka | 7:00 PM |
| February 18 | Namibia | Sinhalese Sports Club (Colombo), Sri Lanka | 3:00 PM |
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