Will Shaheen Afridi be fit for T20 World Cup?
Will Shaheen Afridi be fit for T20 World Cup? Pakistan management might have to give rest to Shaheen Afridi for multiple One Day Internationals to keep him fresh and injury-free ahead of the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup campaigns. Pakistan captain Babar Azam answered a number of questions regarding his team before their tour to the Netherlands.
Pakistan will be able to collect crucial World Cup qualifying points when they tackle the Netherlands in a three-match ODI series.
The 22-year-old paceman, Shaheen Afridi, suffered a knee injury on the recent tour of Sri Lanka. This is a worrying setback with the Asia Cup knocking on the door.
“There are concerns over Shaheen’s fitness. We are taking him along because the doctor and the physio are traveling with the team, so he can be looked after well. We are thinking from a long-term perspective. There is the Asia Cup and the World Cup as well,” he said.
Pakistan team management does not want to overload a fast bowler. Shaheen has already played 97 times across all three formats since his international debut which was four years ago.
“We are taking a couple of doctors with us to take care of Shaheen and want him to play a game against the Netherlands to see if he is fit and ready for the Asia Cup,” said Pakistan skipper Babar Azam.
For the Asia Cup and the tour of the Netherlands, selectors decided to leave out Hasan Ali. They preferred Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Shahnawaz Dahani, and Mohammad Wasim. Babar said that Hasan Ali has a lot of time to gain his form back.
“But we have 11 trump cards. Each of them can be match winners on their day. I have faith in every one of them, whether batters or bowlers.”
“Our fast-bowling bench strength is excellent. They have now got an opportunity to showcase their skills. This is how you expand your pool.”
“Yes, he is (Ali) not in form, but it is not like he has to prove anything. Domestic cricket is coming up. He will play that and make a strong comeback hopefully.”
The series in Rotterdam was postponed in 2020 due to Covid-19.
It forms part of the 13-nation Super League from where the top seven teams plus hosts India will qualify for the 2023 World Cup.
Pakistan is currently standing in the third position with 90 points. They have beaten a formidable Australia 2-1 in their last One Day International series at home.
Failure to make it to the top seven would mean having to negotiate a perilous route through a qualifying competition.