KARACHI: Pakistan ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has been ruled out of the upcoming Asia Cup 2022 as his knee injury worsen.

The PCB Medical Advisory Committee and independent specialists suggested the star pacer for the rest in light of the latest scans and reports.

Following this, the left-arm pacer has been ruled out of the Asia Cup 2022 and the home T20I series against England.

According to the details, Shaheen will be out of action for four to six weeks and is likely to make his comeback in the home series against New Zealand, scheduled later this year.

The 22-year-old pacer sustained the injury amid Pakistan’s first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, which resulted in him in missing the second match of the series and the first two ODIs against the Netherlands.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Babar Azam asserted that the star pacer will play at least one match in the ongoing ODI series against the Netherlands, in a bid to prepare for the Asian event.

Shaheen expressed displeasure when the ace pacer was informed of his fitness update by PCB Chief Medical Officer Najeeb Ullah Soomro, who shared with this reporter here.

“I spoke to Shaheen Afridi and he is upset after hearing this news. He is a brave young man and will soon come back to cricket in full force and represent the country,” Soomro stated.

“Shaheen Shah Afridi has shown improvement during rehab in Rotterdam but still needs some time to improve further,” he revealed.

It is pertinent to mention here that the PCB will announce Shaheen’s replacement in due course. Whereas, the national contingent is set to depart for Dubai on Monday after the conclusion of their ongoing ODI series against the Netherlands.