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In a big blow to Pakistan, left-arm Pakistan Shaheen Afridi is likely to stay out of international action until April 2023. As a result Afridi will miss the Test series at home against England and New Zealand which will be crucial if they are to qualify for ICC Test Championship 2021-23 final.
The southpaw was rushed to hospital in Islamabad for an appendicitis operation. He was given rest after aggravating his knee injury in T20 World Cup 2022 final against England on November 13 at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
"He underwent a surgical procedure to remove the appendicitis today and doctors have now advised him at least six weeks rest before he can return to cricket activities," a PCB source told PTI.
The 22-year-old himself took to Twitter to share a photo of himself from the hospital after getting the surgery done.
"Had an appendectomy today but Alhumdulillah feeling better. Remember me in your prayers," he wrote in the caption.
Before the appendectomy, PCB had said, "Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been advised two-week rehabilitation after he landed awkwardly while taking Harry Brook's catch during Sunday’s ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 final in Melbourne.
"The scan conducted on Monday morning prior to the team’s departure for Pakistan, has confirmed there were no signs of an injury and the knee discomfort was likely "due to a forced knee flexion whilst landing".
PCB would refrain from rushing Afridi’s comeback this time around as they need his services in ODI World Cup 2023 which will be hosted by India.
In the recently concluded T20 World Cup, Afridi looked rusty at the start but gained his rhythm midway and played a major role in helping his side reach the final despite two straight losses.
Earlier, Afridi returned to Pakistan side after recovering from knee injury. He got injured during the Galle Test against Sri Lanka earlier this year. However, he travelled with the team to England and was later ruled out of action for a few months.
