‘He could now be the main hero…’: former PAK captain after Afridi’s injury | locust

Shaheen Shah Afridi has been ruled out of next week’s Asian Cup with a knee injury in what is expected to be a blow to Pakistan’s chances in the six-nation event. Afridi, who tamed India’s explosive top-flight in last year’s World T20, will miss the competition with a knee injury he suffered in the Test series against Sri Lanka last month. The 22-year-old has been advised to take four to six weeks off. Read also | “There is a difference between him and Rahul. He needs to know…’: Ex-India pacemaker’s warning to struggling Ishan Kishan

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt believes Afridi’s absence will give other players like Haris Rauf a good chance to prove their mettle. He said there will be an added responsibility on Rauf, who can rattle the opposition with his fast pace. In 35 T20I he picked up 42 wickets at an average of 24.85.

“It’s time for them – be it (Shahnawaz) Dahani or Haris Rauf. Let’s take the case of Rauf. Now there’s an additional responsibility on him. He was Shaheen’s supporting actor first, now he could be the main hero. We should see this as an opportunity not only for him but also for the other bowlers, ”said Butt on his Youtube channel.

Butt further highlighted how Shaheen is Pakistan’s leading bowler in the current setup. The left-arm tailor was also declared Men’s Cricketer of the Year in 2021 after taking 78 wickets in 36 internationals across three formats.

A PCB doctor said Shaheen should recover with rest. The statement adds that his replacement for the Asian Cup will be announced shortly.

“Shaheen’s presence increases Pakistan’s strength. Shaheen is one of our best players, like (Jasprit) Bumrah is for India. Each team has its best bowler, and for Pakistan it is Shaheen. He stands out for his skills and his absence definitely makes the difference. As a result, it acts on everyone. It leaves a mark on the whole team,” Butt added.

Pakistan begin their Asian Cup campaign in Dubai with a blockbuster against arch-rivals India, who will miss the services of Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel. The couple are currently in rehab at the NCA in Bangalore.