Prior to the T20 World Cup 2026, which India and Sri Lanka will co-host next month, Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has given an update on star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi‘s fitness. Pakistan will play Sri Lanka in a three-match Twenty20 International series as part of their preparations for the major tournament.
Agha affirmed that Afridi is presently receiving rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and stated that the team’s management is still hopeful about how quickly he would recover. The three-match Twenty20 International series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will take place in Dambulla on January 7, 9, and 11.
During the press conference, Agha stated, “Shaheen is presently undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA, and we hope he will be fit before the T20 World Cup.”
Afridi just made his Big Bash League (BBL) debut, but he had a difficult time with the Brisbane Heat, taking only two wickets in four games. The 25-year-old was forced to enter a rehabilitation program after suffering a setback to his left knee during the competition.
Agha also talked about selection issues, stating that Babar Azam will not play in the Sri Lanka series because of his BBL obligations. As part of their preparations for the T20 World Cup, Pakistan has chosen to field a young team, giving up-and-coming players opportunity, as Babar and Afridi are both absent.
“The players we have brought here are excellent, but Babar and Shaheen are the real deal. We wanted to offer them an opportunity. The future of Pakistani cricket lies with a select group of players, who should do well, Agha stated.
Shadab Khan’s return to the Pakistani team following his recovery from a shoulder injury is a noteworthy event. The selectors were encouraged by his impressive BBL achievements, which confirmed that he was ready to return to international cricket.
“He performed well in the BBL after recovering from a protracted injury. It would be difficult to manage all those spinners and all-rounders, but to be honest, having so many all-rounders who can bowl and bat in every situation is like a luxury for us,” Agha remarked.
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