Pakistan will feel his absence in Asia Cup: Aqib Javed blames workload management for Shaheen Afridi’s injury

Former Pakistan cricketer Aqib Javed has blamed workload management behind Shaheen Afridi’s injury after the Pakistan pace spearhead was ruled out of the Asia Cup 2022. Shaheen injured his knee during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, after which he missed the second Test at the same venue.

Despite the injury concern, Pakistan picked him for the three-match ODI series against the Netherlands and the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“It could be due to workload. Shaheen has been playing cricket continuously. No doubt, it’s a huge loss for Pakistan before the Asia Cup and the team will feel his absence,” Javed said while speaking to Geo News.

“Team management should deal with patience. Do not panic in this situation and let Shaheen recover completely. He has a long career ahead.

Javed pointed out that left-arm pacers have always troubled Indian batters, while adding that Mohammad Amir helped Pakistan win the 2017 Champions Trophy while Shaheen Afridi helped Pakistan beat India in the 2021 T20 World Cup in UAE.

“Previously, it was Amir and then Shaheen. The left-arm pacers always gave a tough time to Indian batters. Amir led us to victory in the Champions Trophy 2017 and Shaheen in T20 World Cup 2021,” Javed added.

Shaheen’s absence means Pakistan are left with four bowlers Shahnawaz Dahani, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf – as their fast bowling options. Out of the four, Shah made his debut in the ODI series against the Netherlands. Shah made his international debut on the tour of Australia back in 2019 in a Test match.

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