Brisbane Heat's Big Bash League campaign has suffered a major setback with the shock departure of their marquee overseas signing, Pakistan pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Injury Forces Early Exit for Star Quick
The left-arm fast bowler, who was the Heat's number one pick in the BBL draft, has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to a knee injury. The Pakistan Cricket Board has called the 25-year-old back home to begin a rehabilitation programme.
Afridi confirmed the news himself via social media on Tuesday night, expressing his gratitude to the club and its supporters. "I'm massively thankful to the Brisbane Heat team and fans for showering me with immense love and support," he posted on Instagram. "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 in the field soon."
Plans Changed Ahead of T20 World Cup
The injury represents a significant change of plans from Pakistan cricket officials. They had initially permitted Afridi, along with teammates Babar Azam and Haris Rauf, to remain in Australia for the full BBL season instead of recalling them for a T20 series in Sri Lanka.
However, the emerging knee issue has taken priority, with Pakistan keen to manage the fitness of one of their most valuable assets ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, which will be held in February and March.
Afridi's exit is a double blow for the Heat's bowling attack, coming after fellow left-armer Spencer Johnson was also ruled out of the tournament with a back injury. This leaves the Brisbane side without their two primary strike weapons with the ball.
A Turbulent First BBL Stint
Afridi's first foray into the Big Bash was eventful, to say the least. He arrived as one of the competition's biggest international names but made immediate headlines for the wrong reason in his debut. The paceman was banned from bowling in his first match after delivering two waist-high full tosses in a single over against the Melbourne Renegades, finishing with expensive figures of 0-45 from just 2.4 overs.
He showed signs of finding his rhythm in subsequent outings, taking two wickets across the Heat's opening three games. After a tough match against Perth, he rebounded with improved performances against the Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers.
His departure now leaves a gaping hole in the Heat's lineup as they look to navigate the rest of the BBL season without their star recruit, who vowed to continue cheering for his "amazing team" from afar.
