The Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi has been ruled out of the ongoing BBL 2025-26 due to a knee injury, ending his stint with Brisbane Heat.
The PCB has called him back from Australia to start his rehabilitation ahead of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in February-March in India and Sri Lanka.
A statement from Brisbane Heat said that Afridi will be further reviewed upon the team’s return from Adelaide, where they will play their next game on Wednesday, against the Strikers.
Speaking on ending his stint, Shaheen Afridi said, “I’m massively thankful to the Brisbane Heat team and fans for showering me with immense love and support.”
“Due to an unexpected injury, I have been called back by the PCB and will have to take a rehab. Hopefully, I will be back in the field soon. Meanwhile, I will be cheering for the amazing team.”
Brisbane Heat are also waiting on the clearance of other injured players, Tom Alsop (knee injury) and Nathan McSweeney (ankle injury), who have both resumed training.
Shaheen Afridi was part of a strong contingent of Pakistani cricketers, which includes the likes of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf.
“Despite his season not finishing the way he would have liked, he has been a thorough professional, and we have been pleased to welcome him to Brisbane and the Heat,” said Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson.
“I know our young bowlers in the squad have benefited greatly from his advice and suggestions, and he has had strong input into the team’s performances overall.”
Shaheen Afridi was appointed as Pakistan’s Captain earlier this year. He has had a history of trouble with the right knee. In 2022, he sustained an injury while fielding during a test match in Sri Lanka and has been ruled out of the early stages of the T20 World Cup due to a posterior cruciate ligament injury to the same knee.
With the teams having preparations for the Men’s T20 World Cup, Pakistan appear to have decided to call him back out as a precautionary step. PSL follows the World Cup immediately, where he will be captaining Lahore Qalandars, who won the title last year.
