Shaheen Afridi out of BBL 2025-26 with knee injury
Brisbane Heat have suffered another blow to their already-depleting fast-bowling resources as Shaheen Afridi is the latest to get ruled out for the remainder of the ongoing Big Bash League season with a knee injury. The Pakistan pacer had left the field with a knee issue in Heat's previous game against Adelaide Strikers on December 27, and has now been ruled out.
"After consulting with the Pakistan Cricket Board's medical staff during the past 24 hours, it was agreed that Shaheen would cut short his Big Bash League stint to return home for further treatment ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup," the team said in a statement on Tuesday evening.
Afridi is the third fast bowler that Heat have now lost to injury, after Spencer Johnson and Callum Vidler - both to back issues. That and Michael Neser being away on international duty has left the Heat with a threadbare fast-bowling arsenal. Stand-in captain Xavier Bartlett, all-rounder Jack Wildermuth and uncapped left-armer Oli Patterson are the only remaining fit fast bowlers in Heat's 18-man squad.
The medical room at the Heat has been busy, with regular captain Nathan McSweeney missing the last two fixtures with ankle injury and Tom Aslop suffering a knee problem of his own to be sidelined for the New Year Eve fixture against Strikers.
"I have enjoyed myself a lot playing for Brisbane and I am sad that I will not be able to finish the season with the team," Shaheen said in a statement. "The BBL was everything I had heard it would be - lots of good, skilful cricket (and) I have enjoyed the challenge. I wish all the players and coaches the very best for the rest of the Big Bash and will applaud their efforts as they get closer to the finals."
Afridi had a horror debut against Melbourne Renegades after being the No.1 pick in this season's overseas player draft, where he was taken off the attack for bowling two beamers. He conceded 49 and 35 in four overs each in the next two games, and picked a wicket each. He bowled three overs for 26 runs in his last appearance.
