PAK vs NZ 2022-23: Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf injury update

Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Afridi is set to resume rehabilitation under the national team’s medical staff in Karachi. The staff will assess his recovery and track the progression to pave way for his smooth return to the side. 

Afridi was kept on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury that kept him from bowling the final overs against England in the T20 World Cup 2022 summit clash in Melbourne. He will now spend a few days at the National High-Performance Centre undergoing a 'rehabilitation and conditioning programme' aimed at strengthening his knee.

A return to action ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand would be contingent on the rehabilitation program's success and the medical board's approval. Upon receiving the green light from the medical team, the pacer could be up for selection for the upcoming ODI Series.

Haris Rauf included in probables list for ODI series against the Kiwis

Premier Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf, meanwhile, suffered a grade-II strain in the right quad on the first day of the recently concluded Test series against England. Rauf made his red-ball debut in the Test in Rawalpindi but endured the injury during a fielding mishap on Day 1 when he rolled over the ball.

As per the latest updates by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the interim selection committee and team management have invited the right-arm pacer to be assessed by the team’s medical staff. Rauf will undergo a fitness test upon which his selection for the forthcoming 50-over series will be determined. The pacer is also included in the probables list for the ODI series against the Kiwis.

He has been a vital cog in the absence of Shaheen in white-ball cricket this year. However, Rauf failed to make any impact in the red-ball contest and was subsequently kept on the sidelines following the injury he picked up. Pakistan lock horns with the Kiwis in a three-match 50-over series starting on January 9 after the conclusion of the second and final red-ball contest.