Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has been ruled out of Brisbane Heat’s upcoming Big Bash League clash against Adelaide Strikers as he continues to recover from a knee injury. The Heat are scheduled to face the Strikers on December 31, but the left-arm seamer will miss the fixture after sustaining the injury earlier this week.

Afridi hurt his knee during Brisbane Heat’s match against the Strikers on December 28, landing awkwardly on his left foot before leaving the field in visible discomfort. While there were initial concerns that the injury could sideline him for the remainder of the tournament, the franchise has confirmed that the issue is not serious.

Brisbane Heat shared an official update on X, confirming that Afridi has begun his rehabilitation and will be reassessed once the team returns from Adelaide.

“Shaheen Shah Afridi (knee) commenced rehab and will be further reviewed upon the team’s return from Adelaide,” the statement read. The update also noted that Tom Alsop has resumed training following a knee issue, while Nathan McSweeney has returned to full training and travelled with the squad to Adelaide.

Afridi has struggled to make an impact in the ongoing BBL, picking up just two wickets in four matches. He has recorded a strike rate of 41.00 and an economy rate of 11.20, falling short of expectations this season.

Despite the setback, Afridi is set to remain in Australia for the duration of the Big Bash League, having not been selected for Pakistan’s upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka, which coincides with the latter stages of the tournament. A return to action is expected once he completes his rehabilitation.