January 16, 2026
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Published by Aeyan Raza
December 30, 2025
The Brisbane Heat have suffered a major blow in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025–26, as Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament following a knee injury.
The incident occurred during last Saturday’s match at the Gabba, when the atmosphere suddenly turned tense. While chasing a ball in the 14th over of the Adelaide Strikers’ innings, Shaheen sprinted from mid-on to stop a boundary but appeared to jar his right knee while slowing down. He stumbled, showed visible discomfort, and immediately grabbed his knee a worrying sight for fans and teammates alike.
Although Shaheen completed the over, his movement was clearly restricted. He later left the field limping, escorted by the team physio, sparking fears of a serious injury.
Those fears were confirmed on Tuesday when Brisbane Heat released an official statement. According to the team, medical scans revealed a significant knee strain, requiring immediate rehabilitation. As a result, Shaheen will take no further part in the BBL season.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recalled the 25-year-old pacer to Lahore, where his recovery will be monitored closely. Shaheen later shared a message on social media, thanking Brisbane Heat fans for their support and admitting his disappointment at leaving the tournament early.
Shaheen’s early exit brings an underwhelming BBL campaign to an abrupt end. Across four matches, he managed just two wickets, while conceding runs at a high economy rate of 11.19. His average ballooned to 76.50, and he even faced removal from the attack in one match due to dangerous bowling.
For Brisbane Heat, his absence comes at the worst possible time, forcing the franchise to search for a replacement as the tournament heats up.
The timing of the injury is also worrying for Pakistan, with the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon. If Shaheen’s recovery is delayed, the pressure will fall on Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf to lead the pace attack.
Pakistan’s medical team is expected to take a cautious approach, prioritizing long-term fitness over a rushed return.
