Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has played down concerns over his fitness, describing his latest knee issue as minor and revealing that he expects to resume bowling within the next week.

Speaking to reporters at an event, Afridi said his recovery is being closely monitored by the Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical team and that early scans have delivered positive news. “My rehabilitation is ongoing, and the PCB team is monitoring everything,” Afridi was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “At the moment, I’m focusing on gym work and batting. I’ll start bowling next week. This injury isn’t as serious as the previous ones. There’s only slight swelling on the bone, and the MRI results were reassuring. I don’t think it will take a month; it should be closer to a week.”

The update comes as a relief, given Afridi’s long history of knee problems. His troubles began in 2021 when he injured his knee while fielding in a Test match in Galle, an issue that sidelined him for several months. A year later, he suffered a posterior cruciate ligament injury to the same knee during a Test in Sri Lanka, ruling him out for nearly half the season and forcing him to miss the early stages of the 2022 T20 World Cup. Although he returned later in the tournament, Afridi picked up another injury during the final and was unable to bowl at the death as England went on to lift the title.

More recently, Afridi featured in the Big Bash League but endured a difficult stint with Brisbane Heat. He played four matches, conceding more than 11 runs per over and claiming just two wickets. In his opening game, he was also pulled out of the attack for dangerous bowling after delivering two waist-high full tosses. Despite those struggles, Afridi’s international form has remained encouraging. He finished last year as Pakistan’s third-highest wicket-taker in T20 internationals, behind Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed, highlighting his continued importance to the national side.

Afridi was among a strong contingent of Pakistani players taking part in this season’s BBL, alongside Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan. His latest comments suggest confidence in his recovery and a cautious approach aimed at avoiding any long-term setback.

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