Shaheen Shah Afridi has left for London, where he will complete his rehabilitation, the Pakistan Cricket Board stated today.

Shaheen will continue to be under the care of the PCB Medical Advisory Panel while she is in London, which also includes Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed and Dr. Zafar Iqbal who are headquartered there. Dr. Zafar has been the Head of Sports Medicine at the Crystal Palace Football Club since 2015, and Dr. Imtiaz has been the Head of Medical Services at the Queens Park Rangers Football Club since 2016. (having worked previously with Tottenham Hotspur FC, Liverpool FC and Kent County Cricket Club).

PCB Chief Medical Officer, Dr Najeebullah Soomro informed, “Shaheen Shah Afridi requires uninterrupted, dedicated knee specialist care and London offers some of the best sports medical and rehabilitation facilities in the world. In the best interest of the player, we have decided to send him there.

“The medical department will receive daily feedback on his progress whilst in London and we are confident Shaheen will return to full fitness before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.”

Shaheen sustained a PCL injury while fielding in the first Test against Sri Lanka in July. He is projected to be fully fit for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2022, although his return to competitive cricket will be determined by the PCB Medical Advisory Panel.

Mohammad Hasnain was called as replacement for Shaheen Afridi but the team dearly missed his presence as pace attack leader in the opener game of Asia Cup against India. The bowlers were bowling well early on but due to inexperience of playing in the conditions, the cramps took over and the Pakistan side was seen fairly struggling which also resulted in the match.

Pakistan next plays Hongkong on 2nd of September at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. It is likely they will win the match and qualify for the semis.