Asia Cup 2022 is just a week away as Sri Lanka and Afghanistan face off in the first game of the tournament next Saturday. The tournament was initially going to be played in Sri Lanka, but the political turmoil meant that the tournament was moved to UAE. Despite the tournament moving, Sri Lanka still hold the hosting rights of the tournament, and one of the biggest games is that of India and Pakistan. This year just like 2016, the tournament will be played in the T20 format.
Afridi ruled out –
With just 8 days to go for the biggest clash of the Asia Cup between India and Pakistan, the men in green have been struck with a huge blow. Their leading fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi has been ruled out of the tournament due to knee injury. The injury occurred during the first test against Sri Lanka at Galle which was won by Pakistan. The 22 year old hasn’t been seen in Pakistani colors since then, and is now been ruled out of the Asia Cup and also the series post the Asia Cup in a huge blow for Pakistan.
Will he be fit for the T20 world cup?
One of the biggest questions many are asking is if he will fit for the T20 world cup where they face of against India yet again. Last year Afridi played a huge role when he picked 3 early wickets to put India in trouble during the 2021 T20 WC game. The early burst saw India score mere 151 as Pakistan chased down the score with all ten wickets in hand. Afridi was expected to lead the attack yet again as Pakistan were looking to win the Asia Cup yet again.
PCB has its say –
Once the news came out about Afridi missing the Asia Cup 2022, PCB had its say “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."