Shaheen suffered a knee injury while fielding for Brisbane Heat.
With nearly a month remaining for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan have suffered a major setback as their key pacer Shaheen Afridi is currently doubtful for the showpiece tournament.
Shaheen suffered a knee injury while fielding for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) and has since been called back to Pakistan for treatment and rehabilitation.
It was a forgettable maiden BBL stint for the left-arm quick, who struggled to make an impact in Australian conditions. He managed to claim just wickets in four matches for Brisbane Heat, averaging 76.50 while leaking runs at an economy rate of 11.19.
Earlier in the tournament, Shaheen was also taken off the attack after being deemed to have bowled dangerously.
Shaheen hurt his knee during Brisbane Heat’s match against Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba on Monday (December 29). He was seen limping off the ground.
It was the second time the lanky fast bowler has injured the same knee, having previously undergone surgery that kept him out of action for an extended period during the 2020–21 season.
According to a PTI report, a PCB official confirmed that Shaheen Africa has been recalled by the board for treatment and rehabilitation at the High Performance Centre in Lahore following discussions with Cricket Australia.
The official added that Shaheen needed complete rest as per initial assessments, and the severity of the injury in addition to the recovery timeline will be determined after further evaluation by the board’s medical team.
Earlier on Tuesday, Shaheen expressed disappointment after his BBL stint was cut short due to injury.
"I have enjoyed myself a lot playing for Brisbane and I am sad that I will not be able to finish the season with the team," he said in a statement released by the BBL side. "Hopefully, I will be back in the fields soon."
Notably, Shaheen hasn’t been included in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka (January 7–11), with the PCB opting not to recall BBL-contracted players.