Shaheen Afridi for comeback in PSL Soon, Pakistani fast pitcher Shaheen Shah Afridi is aiming for his eighth Pakistani Super League (PSL) return as he plays at top speed and regains fitness while training at the National Bank Cricket Arena on Sunday.
The 22-year old’s past six months have been largely marred by a knee injury. Despite competing in the T20 World Cup in Australia last year, the player – due to injury and surgery – missed two home series against England and New Zealand.
With rehabilitation in the final stages, the cricketer is now ready to return to full play.
Earlier today, he trained with Pakistan’s ODI team ahead of ODI’s three-match series against New Zealand.
Shaheen played four rounds and participated in field drills with coach Abdul Majeed.
Afridi told Geo News he is already feeling better and is ready to return soon.
“I feel a lot stronger than I did in the World Cup. I am playing at full speed and can’t wait to be back soon,” he said.
Shaheen thanked the group’s physiotherapist, Cliffe Deacon, for his rehabilitation work, and said being with the team in the process has benefited him. The tempo driver also mentioned that the PCB management gave him a week-by-week plan for his return to competition.
“This week, ending today, I played about 19 balls. Next week I’ll play about 25,” he told Geo News.
“It’s good to be back on the pitch, I’ve missed it all so much and I’m grateful to the Almighty for that,” the speed pitcher added.
In response to a question, Shaheen said the time away from the pitch was difficult for him, but his family and friends gave him encouragement. But most of all, the eagerness to play for Pakistan once again gave them more confidence during this period.
The nimble young pitcher has now set his sights on PSL’s eighth season when he will captain Lahore Qalandars and aim to defend the title.
“We are a very good team and I believe we will get better results than before. I am very pleased with the team because we overcame what we lacked last year and I think this time Qalandars stronger,” said the cricketer.
“PSL is the biggest brand in Pakistan and I can’t wait to make a full return at this tournament,” said the nimble pitcher. As Afridi is targeting a return to PSL, he could head to Bangladesh to play a few games in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) to get back into action.
He has also been given permission by the NOC to come to Dhaka for the tournament but his appearance will be decided after seeing his future workload. Shaheen Afridi for comeback in PSL Soon.
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