According to a former PCB official, Shaheen will be sidelined for 6-7 months due to Afridi’s resurrected knee issue.

For two reasons, Pakistan’s T20 World Cup championship match against England was a forgettable event. The first was the defeat—Pakistan had twice in three months failed to cross the finish line in a championship—and the second was Shaheen Afridi’s injury. The left-arm pacer attempted to take a catch while sliding, and although he was successful in dismissing England’s Harry Brook, Afridi’s knee suffered significant damage as a result. The injury that sidelined him for more than three months returned.

A former PCB medical officer believes that if the right safety measures are not implemented, Afridi’s future could be at risk as Pakistan frets over Shaheen’s ailment. Afridi sustained a knee ligament injury in July, but the 22-year-old was thought to have fully recovered after undergoing extensive therapy. However, in light of the recurrence on Sunday, there is concern that Afridi’s career may be in danger if Shaheen’s illness is not closely followed.

“Shaheen will need three to four months to heal, barring any secondary injuries. Shaheen will be sidelined for six to seven months if the PCB medical board decides to operate “Dr. Sohail Salim, a former head medical officer for the Pakistan Cricket Board, according to Dawn.

A large grimace formed on the bowler’s face as Afridi took the catch, giving the impression that he was in pain. Mohammad Haris quickly raised his arms and yelled for the physio to go right now. Shaheen left the field right away, and even though he later came back to bowl the 16th over, Afridi limped off after just one ball, clearly in discomfort.

This is a major setback for Pakistan and is also unexpected. Afridi seems to have progressively reverted to his frightening best after beginning cautiously against India and Zimbabwe, picking up 3/14 against South Africa, a four-wicket haul versus Bangladesh, and two more wickets against New Zealand. Shaheen delivered a breakthrough in the first over even when playing England in the championship match, rattling Alex Hales’ stumps with his blistering pace.

Many others, including Sohail, believe Shaheen may have been thrown back into the mix sooner than necessary. The former PCB official is calling for a thorough investigation into the situation. Shaheen might not play in the Test series against England that begins on December 1 due to the aggravating knee ailment. It should be investigated to see if the PCB medical panel handled Shaheen’s injuries improperly, the author continued.