Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi suffered a worrying knee injury during a Big Bash League (BBL) match for Brisbane Heat on Saturday, limping off the field just six weeks before the T20 World Cup. The incident has raised serious concerns about the star pacer’s fitness ahead of cricket’s biggest tournament, especially with his recent BBL form already under scrutiny.

Knee injury forces Afridi off mid-match

The injury occurred in the 14th over of Adelaide Strikers’ chase at the Gabba when Jamie Overton smacked a delivery from Xavier Bartlett straight down the ground. Afridi, fielding at mid-on, sprinted to stop the ball but appeared to hurt his knee in the process.

The left-arm quick was visibly in discomfort and unable to continue, limping off the field without completing his bowling quota. Brisbane Heat were left a bowler short as Afridi received medical attention on the sidelines.

With the T20 World Cup starting in February 2026, Pakistan will be anxiously awaiting scans and updates on the severity of the injury. Afridi is one of their most potent match-winners in white-ball cricket, and any extended absence could significantly weaken their campaign.

Difficult BBL debut compounds concerns

The knee issue adds to what has been a forgettable BBL debut for Shaheen Afridi. His introduction to Australia’s premier T20 competition on December 15 against the Melbourne Renegades at Simonds Stadium was marred by controversy and poor execution.

In the 18th over of the first innings, Afridi bowled two waist-high full tosses—one to Tim Seifert and another to Ollie Peake. Both deliveries were deemed dangerous by the umpires, forcing him to be removed from the attack mid-over. Heat captain Nathan McSweeney had to step in and complete the final two balls.

Afridi’s debut spell ended prematurely with figures of 0 for 43 from 2.4 overs. The over alone cost 15 runs and included three no-balls, along with two wides—a dismal return that compounded an already difficult night.

The left-armer could only smile wryly as he walked off, his highly anticipated BBL bow turning into a nightmare performance.

Recent exclusion from Pakistan squad

Adding further intrigue to Afridi’s situation is his recent exclusion from Pakistan’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin in early January. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) dropped both Afridi and former captain Babar Azam from the 15-member squad in what was described as a “workload management” decision ahead of the T20 World Cup.

However, critics have questioned the logic of resting key players so close to a major tournament, particularly when game time and form are crucial. Afridi’s injury now raises doubts about whether his BBL stint was worth the risk, especially given his underwhelming performances so far.

Pakistan’s World Cup concerns mount

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup preparations have been anything but smooth. With Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi both sidelined for the Sri Lanka series, and now Afridi’s fitness in doubt, the team management faces mounting pressure to get their key personnel fit and firing ahead of the tournament.

Shaheen’s absence would be a massive blow. The 24-year-old is Pakistan’s premier fast bowler across all formats and has been instrumental in their recent white-ball success. His ability to swing the new ball, break partnerships, and deliver in death overs makes him irreplaceable in the shortest format.

Pakistan will hope the knee injury is minor and that Afridi can return to full fitness soon. With just six weeks until the World Cup, time is running out for him to regain form and rhythm.