Mumbai, Jan 15 (NationPress) The return of Pakistan's lead bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi to training after an injury hiatus is a significant boost for the team's T20 World Cup aspirations. The medical team is optimistic that he will regain peak form by next week, according to a report released on Thursday.

On Thursday, Afridi was spotted back in the nets, completing a 15-minute bowling session along with batting practice, indicating a promising recovery after concerns arose about his participation in the T20 World Cup due to an injury sustained during the Big Bash League (BBL), as reported by Telecom Asia Sport.

“Shaheen bowled effectively for 15 minutes using a full run-up and exhibited no discomfort, which is encouraging news for Pakistan as he plays a crucial role in the bowling lineup for the upcoming World Cup,” PCB medical panel sources informed www.telecomasia.net on Thursday.

Previously, there were worries that Afridi might not be fit for the T20 World Cup next month due to a recurring knee injury, which had previously sidelined him during Pakistan's matches in 2022, particularly in the final against England at the MCG.

“His rehabilitation is complete, and he is back to bowling, suggesting he could participate in the three-match series against Australia later this month. However, management may prefer to limit his exposure before heading to Sri Lanka,” the source noted, according to Telecom Asia Sport.

Dr. Javed Mughal, head of Pakistan's newly appointed medical panel, has overseen Afridi's rehabilitation and expressed satisfaction with the recovery process, advising caution as he returns to play.

“The medical team has recommended specific exercises for Shaheen, advising him to bowl for 15 to 25 minutes initially, before extending the duration. Understandably, the panel may decide against playing him in matches against Australia, opting instead for warm-up games prior to the World Cup,” the report cited.

The 25-year-old pacer experienced a left knee injury while competing in the BBL, where he had a challenging debut for Brisbane Heat, claiming just two wickets in four games at a hefty average of 76.5 per wicket. He also faced suspension after delivering two beamers in the opening match against the Perth Scorchers.

An MRI conducted in Brisbane revealed no serious damage, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board to withdraw him from the BBL and return him to Lahore.

Sources close to Afridi assured www.telecomasia.net that reports suggesting he might miss the World Cup were unfounded, expressing confidence in his readiness for the tournament. Pakistan has included him in the preliminary 20-man squad, pending fitness assessment, with the final 15-member roster to be determined by head coach Mike Hesson.

Pakistan recently engaged in a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka starting January 11, where Afridi, along with Babar Azam and Haris Rauf, were absent due to their commitments in the BBL.

The team is set to commence their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands in Colombo on February 7, followed by a match against the USA three days later, and a highly anticipated clash with India on February 15, concluding with a match against Namibia on February 18.