On August 20, Pakistan lead pacer Shaheen Afridi was ruled out of the upcoming Asia Cup due to injury. He was injured since the first Test match against Sri Lanka last month. Since then, the left-arm pacer was following his rehabilitation procedure with the national team. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Medical doctor, Dr. Najeebullah Soomro has said that even though Afridi is making a progress, he needs to rest for at least four to six weeks.
“I have spoken with Shaheen and he is understandably upset with the news, but he is 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.”
This means that not just the continental tournament but the former Pakistan U19 player will also miss the seven-match T20I series against England. For the unversed, Pakistan will host the Three Lions next month as a preparation for the 20-20 World Cup in Australia.
Mohammad Amir started trending on Twitter
After the 22-year-old was ruled out, retired left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir started trending on Twitter. Apparently, a lot of fans want him to represent the national team, especially in the game against India on August 28. The fans opine that the Men In Blue have a history of struggling against left-arm pacers.
m trending on twitter but why🤔
— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) August 20, 2022
Not to forget, Afridi and Amir have done well against India in the past. The latter bowled a brilliant spell in the game against India in the 2016 Asia Cup. On the other hand, Afridi bowled a match-winning spell in the 20-20 World Cup game in Dubai last year. Now, with Afridi ruled out, the fans want Amir to rejoin the team.
This is how Twitter reacted
Because 28 August is coming
— Wasay Habib (@wwasay) August 21, 2022
Asia cup
— Sheikh Aimal Khan (@Sheikh39560307) August 20, 2022
Please ajawo
— waqas_m.amir❤️ (@Waqaskhn22) August 20, 2022
Apki zrorat pr gye ha team ko
— Husnain Khadim (@husnain340877) August 20, 2022
Asia cup obviously 😁
— kashif islam (@ayaan786956) August 20, 2022
Pakistan need you amir bhai...
— Kifayat Ali (@KiffayatAli) August 20, 2022
Take back your retirement and make a comeback
— 𝚃𝚊𝚒𝚖𝚘𝚘𝚛 𝚀𝚞𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚑𝚒 (@Taimoorqureshi) August 20, 2022
Amir bhai please come back😭😭😭😭😭🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 please please please
— umar bukhari (@umarbuk98203903) August 20, 2022
Ku k log chahty hain k Shaheen ki jgh ap ao...
— Ambreen Shahid (@Ambreen44746652) August 20, 2022
Because nation want you to play Asia cup for Pakistan 😍
— Mariya Rajput (@mariya_raj10) August 20, 2022