Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been sidelined for the remainder of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 after sustaining a knee injury, a development the Pakistan pacer confirmed through his social media on Tuesday.

Representing Brisbane Heat, Shaheen featured in the match against Adelaide Strikers on Saturday, December 27, but his outing was cut short. The left-arm quick managed to bowl only three overs before leaving the field during the Strikers’ run chase. He was seen limping off in the 14th over while gesturing towards his right knee, raising immediate concerns over his fitness.

Earlier, Brisbane Heat had issued an official update on Shaheen’s condition, confirming that the fast bowler had begun a rehabilitation program and would miss the team’s upcoming fixture.

“Shaheen Shah Afridi (knee) commenced rehab and will be further reviewed upon the team’s return from Adelaide,” the franchise stated on its official Facebook page.

The update also provided fitness news on other squad members, noting that Tom Alsop had resumed training following a knee issue and would be reassessed on January 1, while Nathan McSweeney had returned to training after recovering from an ankle problem and travelled with the squad to Adelaide.

Subsequently, Shaheen confirmed that he has been recalled by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and will return home to continue his rehabilitation. The 24-year-old expressed gratitude to Brisbane Heat and their supporters for backing him during his stint in Australia.

“I’m massively thankful to the Brisbane Heat team and fans for showering me with immense love and support,” Shaheen wrote in a post on X. “Due to an unexpected injury, I have been called back by the PCB and will have to take a rehab. Hopefully, I will be back on the field soon. Meanwhile, I will be cheering for the amazing team.”

It is worth noting that Shaheen Afridi is not part of Pakistan’s T20I squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. He, along with former captain Babar Azam, was omitted from the refreshed squad due to their prior commitments in BBL 15.