Shaheen Afridi ruled out of remaining BBL 2025-26 with knee injury

Pakistan’s ace fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been ruled out of the remainder of the Big Bash League 2025-26 after sustaining a knee injury while playing for Brisbane Heat. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recalled the left-arm pacer from Australia to begin rehabilitation, prioritising his fitness ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka in February-March.

Afridi’s injury occurred during Brisbane Heat’s clash against the Adelaide Strikers on December 27, when he appeared to experience discomfort in his right knee while bowling. He was seen limping off the field and later confirmed to have suffered a knee-related issue. Following consultations between Brisbane Heat’s medical staff and the PCB, a joint decision was taken to send the fast bowler back to Pakistan for further assessment and rehab. Confirming the development, Afridi took to social media to thank the franchise and its supporters.

"After consulting with the Pakistan Cricket Board's medical staff during the past 24 hours, it was agreed that Shaheen would cut short his Big Bash League stint to return home for further treatment ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup," the team said in a statement on Tuesday evening.

Brisbane Heat, in an official statement, said Afridi would be reviewed further once the team returns from Adelaide, indicating that his BBL campaign has effectively come to an end. The franchise has already been dealing with multiple injury setbacks, with fast bowlers Spencer Johnson and Callum Vidler sidelined due to back issues, while Michael Neser is away on international duty.

Afridi ended with two wickets in four games

The 24-year-old pacer was featuring in his maiden BBL season and was part of a strong Pakistani contingent that included Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Haris Rauf. However, Afridi’s stint failed to make the impact many had expected. He played four matches, picking up just two wickets at an economy rate of over 11. His debut against Melbourne Renegades was particularly difficult, as he was taken off the attack after bowling two waist-high full tosses deemed dangerous.

Despite the underwhelming performance, Brisbane Heat management and teammates spoke highly of Afridi’s professionalism and influence in the dressing room. CEO Terry Svenson stated that the young bowlers in the squad benefited from Afridi’s experience, while stand-in captain Xavier Bartlett spoke about the value of conversations around bowling tactics and match situations.

Afridi’s injury also triggered concerns around his long-standing knee issues. He has struggled with problems in the same knee in the past, most notably during the 2022 season, when a ligament injury affected his preparation for the T20 World Cup.