Fact check: Is Shaheen Shah Afridi’s career in jeopardy?
According to Dr. Sohail, an inquiry should be launched to see if PCB's medical panel was negligent in dealing with Shah's injury.
During Pakistan’s heart-wrenching loss at the hands of England in the T20 World Cup final, all eyes were on Shaheen Shah Afridi, who limped out of the game.
Have to say the @iShaheenAfridi Injury had a major impact on the outcome of the game .. Pakistan have once again been brilliant to watch .. they being so much to the world game .. 👍 #ICCT20WorldCup2022Final
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 13, 2022
Following his injury during the final, reports suggest that Shaheen’s career could very well be in jeopardy. The 22-year-old was forced to abort his third over in the final after he landed awkwardly on his knee while taking a crucial catch to dismiss Harry Brook.
Could Shaheen Shah Afridi’s career be in jeopardy?
Afridi came into the World Cup already after a speedy rehabilitation of his knee ligament injury, which he picked up in July 2022. Another big scare is that his career could be put on halt at just 22 years old.
According to former PCB Cricket Board chief medical officer Dr. Sohail Salim, if the injury does not result in more injuries, it could take three to four months for Shaheen to fully recover. However, if the doctors opt for the surgery route, it could take as much as six to seven months. Either way, Shaheen will miss two test series against New Zealand and England.
Bad news regarding Shaheen Shah Afridi. He is likely to miss the home series against England and New Zealand between December 2022 and January 2023 after aggravating a knee injury #Cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) November 14, 2022
According to Dr. Sohail, an inquiry should be launched to see if PCB’s medical panel was negligent in dealing with Shah’s injury. On the other hand, ex-fast bowler Sarfaraz Nawaz was hopeful that Shaheen would become available soon, but he also criticized the PCB’s decision to include the young star in the World Cup squad, despite him not getting any match practice.
PCB’s scan shows no injury
However, recent updates have suggested that Shaheen Shah Afridi’s medical scan shows no ‘signs of injury,’ but he has still been suggested a rehabilitation period of two weeks.
The board also remarked that the scans, which were conducted before the team’s departure showed no signs of an injury. It further added that the knee discomfort came due to a ‘forced knee flexion whilst landing.’ This statement was shared after a detailed discussion between CPB’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Najeebullah Soomro and the Australian knee specialist Dr. Peter D’Alessandro.
“Shaheen Afridi landed awkwardly on his right knee. The medical panel is treating him and will provide any further update in due course,” the PCB said in a statement.
What are your views on this? Share in the comments bar below.
This could be a serious injury, I hope he doesn’t have ACL injury.
It may become hard for a fast bowler to come back same after an ACL injury.
I wish him all the bests and I pray for his fast and full recovery. He is our hero and he deserves prayers from every Pakistani.