Mumbai, Jan 6 (NationPress) Pakistan's leading fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, has dismissed concerns regarding his fitness for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup. He confirmed that his rehabilitation is progressing well and is expected to wrap up by next week, according to a news source.

The 25-year-old sustained a left knee injury during his stint in the Big Bash League in Australia, where his performance for Brisbane Heat was less than stellar, managing only two wickets in four matches with a high average of 76.5 per wicket. He was also penalized for delivering two beamers in his inaugural match against the Perth Scorchers.

Media reports speculated that Shaheen's recovery could take up to six weeks, jeopardizing his participation in the Twenty20 World Cup, which begins in India and Sri Lanka on February 7.

However, insiders close to Shaheen rejected these claims, expressing optimism that the left-arm pacer will be fit by the time the World Cup starts.

According to sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board's medical team, led by Dr. Javed Mughal, is overseeing Shaheen’s rehabilitation process and believes that the injury is not severe. They anticipate that he will be back in action well before the World Cup.

The initial phase of Shaheen's recovery focuses on healing the injury, which is expected to be complete by Wednesday. Following this, he will gradually begin running for two to three days before resuming bowling by January 15.

Notably, this is the same knee that sidelined him in 2022 and flared up during the final of the 2022 Twenty20 World Cup against England when he couldn't complete his full overs. An MRI conducted in Brisbane revealed no significant damage, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board to withdraw him from the Big Bash League and bring him back to Lahore.

Shaheen has been included in the preliminary 20-man squad for the World Cup, contingent upon his fitness, with the final 15-member team being decided by head coach Mike Hesson.

Pakistan will kick off a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka starting January 11, during which Shaheen, Babar Azam, and Haris Rauf will be absent due to their commitments in the Big Bash League.

The national team is set to face the Netherlands in Colombo on February 7, followed by a match against the USA three days later. Their highly anticipated clash against India is scheduled for February 15, while they will conclude Group A play against Namibia on February 18.

Should all go according to plan, Pakistan could advance to Group 2 of the Super Sixes along with England, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka.