Shaheen Afridi rues getting injured at a wrong time during last year's T20 World Cup final against England
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"Obviously, it's every player's dream to win a World Cup for his country, and I still remember 2021, how that ended. And in this tournament [2022], if I didn't get injured at such a crucial moment, maybe we could've won. Maybe if I had stayed fit and bowled. Injuries can happen at any time," Afridi told ESPNCricinfo.
Shaheen, who suffered a knee injury in July during the Sri Lanka series last year, remained away from the game for three months before rushing himself into getting fit for the T20 World Cup. Things didnt work out there much, as following the finals incident, he again missed the huge chunk of home season including Test series against Pakistan and the New Zealand ODIs and T20Is.
Since PSL (this year)I am feeling better: Afridi
Though he returned during PSL this season, helping his team win the title for the second straight time, Afridi revealed his knee is now 100% fine and that, with time, he will also get better.
"[I was injured] two months out before the [T20] World Cup, two-three months after the [T20] World Cup also. So it will of course take time to get back. That match energy or fitness, you only get it from playing matches. Since the PSL I've been feeling better, I got better through it and then played internationals for Pakistan as well. With time I'll improve and the more I play the more I'll improve," Shaheen added.
Afridi currently played in the second leg of New Zealands white-ball series at home, returning with 14 wickets across T20Is and ODIs.
Given Pakistan is set to compete in two multi-team tournaments this year, including Asia Cup and the Mens 50-over World Cup, it is important that Afridi remains fit and is managed well by the team management.
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Friday, May 26, 2023 at 5:27 am