Fans trigger memefest on Twitter after Shaheen Afridi gets ruled out of Asia Cup 2022

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed that star pacer Shaheen Afridi is advised to rest for four to six more weeks by medical time which rules him out of the upcoming 2022 Asia Cup tournament. This comes as a big blow for Pakistan which are scheduled to face champions India in their opening clash on August 28. Pakistan are engaged with the Netherlands in ODI series, in their final preparation before traveling to UAE.

The 22-year-old left-arm pacer suffered a knee injury on the Sri Lanka tour last month but was included in the three-match ODI tour to the Netherlands. Pakistani captain Babar Azam gave a positive update on the player’s recovery before the start of the first match and also stated that the pacer will play one match as well. He didn’t appear in the first two matches and fans were expected to see him in the third match on Sunday.

“I have spoken with Shaheen and he is understandably upset with the news, but he is a brave young man who has vowed to come back strongly to serve his country and team. Although he has made progress during his rehabilitation in Rotterdam, it is now clear he will require more time and is likely to return to competitive cricket in October. PCB’s Sports & Exercise Medicine Department will be working closely with the player over the coming weeks to ensure his safe return to competitive cricket,” a PCB official said in a statement.

Shaheen bowled a match-winning spell when Pakistan last met India in the 2022 World Cup in UAE. He took three big wickets of Indian top order Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Rohit Sharma. With Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah missing the tournament, Pakistan fans have been optimistic before the India clash. But now fans have taken social media to describe their feelings.

Here are top Twitter reactions on Shaheen Afridi ruled out of 2022 Asia Cup:

Shaheen Afridi ruled out of Asia Cup. PAK awam begging PCB to bring back Mohammad Amir & not Hassan Ali. pic.twitter.com/JGFy8Rwl1J

— The Memer (@TheMemerContest) August 20, 2022

Shaheen Afridi is ruled out of the Asia Cup 2022. Yes, you read that right 💔 pic.twitter.com/LJuldwDKlD

— Shaheens Brigade (@ShaheensBrigade) August 20, 2022

We go LIVE to the India camp for their reaction to the news that Shaheen Afridi will NOT be playing the Asia Cup.#AsiaCup2022

pic.twitter.com/2EsBOwvsfY

— Change of Pace (@ChangeofPace414) August 20, 2022

Pakistani Fans to Babar Azam after the news of Shaheen Afridi. pic.twitter.com/X5xqUrxUPG

— Taimoor Zaman (@taimoorze) August 20, 2022

Shaheen Afridi has suffered a right knee ligament injury and has been ruled out of both the Asia Cup and the home T20 series against England. A devastating blow for Pakistan but an opportunity for the back-up seamers to impress. Wishing Shaheen a speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/H8qcC8zN3i

— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) August 20, 2022

Shaheen Afridi out of Asia cup? I know where to knock.. pic.twitter.com/tKmjmmvu9V

— Muhammad Hasan Ali (@MHasanAliiV2) August 20, 2022

#MuhammadAmir should come in place of Shaheen Afridi pic.twitter.com/dI5h9KquuY

— Pakistan🇵🇰zindabad (@MuhammadSaad223) August 20, 2022

Shaheen Afridi ruled out of Asia cup.

Indian cricket team's top order: pic.twitter.com/Sw5ZQ4ueFy

— Saith Abdullah (@SaithAbdullah99) August 20, 2022

Shaheen Afridi out of Asia Cup.
Indian Dressing Room mein Jashan 🔥🥳 pic.twitter.com/7WB4Vwkyil

— Fakhruu :^) 🏏 (@BajwaKehtaHaii) August 20, 2022

They wanted to keep Shaheen Afridi close to the national team (being injured) bcs their top doctor and physio travel with the team. Otherwise, they don't have a credible rehab center with high-class medical support (to work with grade1 cricketers) at HPC. #Pakcricket

— Umar Farooq Kalson (@kalson) August 20, 2022

Rohit Sharma entering Indian team dressing room after Shaheen Afridi news pic.twitter.com/8CjLPnqdZK

— M Abu Bakar Farooq Tarar (@abubakarSays_) August 20, 2022

Shaheen Afridi out of Asia Cup
Le India right now:#AsiaCup2022 pic.twitter.com/VXrpwNVuHf

— t4tweets🇵🇸🇵🇰 (@noorhopes) August 20, 2022