Babar Azam provides injury update on Shaheen Shah Afridi: Trying to ensure he can get ready

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has provided an injury update on left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, saying that the team is trying everything to get him ready for the upcoming tournaments like the Asia Cup.

Afridi suffered an injury during the tour to Sri Lanka last month and was rested from the squad for the second Test match. Pakistan are getting ready to tour the Netherlands, and Azam has now provided an injury update on the left-arm pacer.

The Pakistan captain said that Afridi hasn’t fully recovered from the injury and they’re taking him along with the squad for the Netherlands tour so that the doctor and physio can keep an eye on his recovery.

“There are concerns over Shaheen’s fitness. We are taking him along because the doctor and the physio are travelling with the team, so he can be looked after well. We are thinking from a long-term perspective. There is the Asia Cup and the World Cup as well.”

“We are trying to ensure he can get ready as soon as possible. We are hoping that he can play at least one match in the Netherlands. If not, then hopefully he can play in the Asia Cup,” said Azam.

The Pakistan captain also spoke about the team selected for the Netherlands tour and said that there is no possibility of a change in the team for the Asia Cup.

Azam also said that veterans Shoaib Malik and Mohammed Hafeez will not be playing in the upcoming tournament.

“After consultation with the coach and selectors, the best team has been selected. The Asia Cup is immediately after the Netherlands tour, so there is no possibility of a change in the team.”

“Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez will be missed in the upcoming Asia Cup, but Asif Ali, Khushdil Shah and Iftikhar Ahmed are players of these numbers and they have performed well. We will utilize Shadab Khan’s batting form and will look to have strong batting depth,” said Azam.

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