Shahid Afridi unlikely for PSL final after receiving 12 stitches

In what might come as a huge setback for the Peshawar Zalmi, former Pakistan captain and flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi might miss the final of the Pakistan Super League against the Quetta Gladiators on March 5. Afridi was severely injured while fielder at cover during the must win eliminator clash against the Karachi Kings.

Afridi who was in great form going into the eliminator clash against the Karachi Kings injured his right hand while attempting a catch against a drive from hard-hitter Kieron Pollard of the bowling of Hasan Ali. It was at a catchable height but Afridi messed it up and hence injured his hand badly. It will surely be a severe blow for the Peshawar Zalmi going into the final against the mighty Quetta Gladiators.

According to reports from Geo news, Afridi was immediately rushed for first-aid and received 12 stitches. Social media photos showed Afridi with a heavily bandaged hand after getting the stitches. Despite no official announcement, it looks highly unlikely that Afridi will take part in the final on Sunday.

Afridi announced his international retirement very recently but this was not the first time he called it a day. Before this Afridi had retired from international cricket on 5 occasions and later returned due to different reasons, be it from the request of fans or family or due to his self-motivation. He has arguably been one of the greatest ever all-rounders the game has seen and even after innumerable controversies in his career, he remains one of the most popular cricketers around.

Also read: PSL 2017, 3rd Qualifying Final Review: Kamran Akmal’s ton seals final berth for Peshawar Zalmi

Making his international debut way back in 1996, Afridi came into the limelight in only his 2nd ODI smashing the Sri Lankan bowlers all around Nairobi. He struck a scintillating 37 balls century and his whirlwind knock remained the fastest ever century till very recently until broken by Corey Anderson in 2014 and then by AB de Villiers. Afridi also holds the record for most number of sixes in ODI’s and has 395 wickets to his credit which makes him an asset for any limited overs team.

Taking to his twitter handle the all-rounder wrote that despite his injury nothing can stop them from winning the final on Sunday.

Happier than ever to reach the finals, @PeshawarZalmi have shown their resolve for the title & my injury wont stop them from winning #HBLPSL

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) March 3, 2017