Pakistan National Cricket Team star Shaheen Afridi has been ruled out of the remainder of the Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL 2025-26) in Australia, where he was representing Brisbane Heat.
PCB Recalls Shaheen Afridi From BBL, Revokes NOC After Knee Injury Scare
Afridi’s Big Bash League campaign has been abruptly ended, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) taking a precautionary decision to recall its star pacer and revoke his No-Objection Certificate (NOC) following concerns over his knee, keeping in mind the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
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The left-arm pacer is set to return to Pakistan immediately to begin a rehabilitation program at the PCB’s High-Performance Centre in Lahore. The PCB medical staff reportedly suggested a structured rehab at home to avoid risking further strain in the ongoing BBL 2025-26.
Shaheen’s Rehabilitation Roadmap and Emotional Farewell
Shaheen Afridi confirmed his departure on social media, thanking the Brisbane Heat and their fans for their love and support. He promised to support the club outside the field in the tournament.
Shaheen Afridi took to X (formerly Twitter) and shared, “I’m massively thankful to the ‘Brisbane Heat’ team and fans for showering me with immense love and support. Due to an unexpected injury, I have been called back by the PCB and will have to take rehab. Hopefully, I will be back in the fields soon. Meanwhile, I will be cheering for the amazing team.”
Shaheen Afridi’s BBL stint with Brisbane Heat has been cut short due to a knee injury.#BBL15 pic.twitter.com/blbZAXoUJ5
— Circle of Cricket (@circleofcricket) December 30, 2025
His rehabilitation will commence in Lahore under the supervision of the PCB’s medical panel. The timeline for his return will be announced later, as he was not named in Pakistan’s squad for the T20I series in Sri Lanka, meaning he is likely to directly return for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Shaheen Afridi Leaves Brisbane Heat Disappointed
Afridi’s departure is a significant blow to the Heat, who signed the Pakistani fast bowler as a marquee overseas player for the ongoing Big Bash League 2025-26. The club said that they will announce Afridi’s replacement for the remainder of the season later.
The official statement on the club’s website read, “The Brisbane Heat have confirmed that Pakistan paceman Shaheen Shah Afridi will return home due to a knee injury. Afridi suffered a knee cartilage injury while fielding in the Heat’s final over win over the Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba on Saturday night.
After consulting with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical staff during the past 24 hours, it was agreed that Afridi would cut short his KFC Big Bash League stint to return home for further treatment ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.”
Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson stated, “We wish him a speedy recovery and all the best in his preparations now for the T20 World Cup.”
Pakistan paceman @iShaheenAfridi will return home due to a knee injury.💔
More 👉https://t.co/mRHEgoGo8S
— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) December 30, 2025
