Shaheen Afridi’s underwhelming run of form at the Big Bash League (BBL) continued on Saturday (December 27), but that wasn’t even the biggest reason for worry for Pakistan. The left-arm quick conceded 19 runs in an over for the Brisbane Heat against the Adelaide Strikers, and was soon seen walking out of the field of play — in clear discomfort of having pulled something up — and straight down the tunnel into the dressing room.
Commentators noticed that he had failed to put in his full effort to protect a ball on the field and was pointing at his knee before the Heat dug-out made the change and sent a substitute fielder in.
In today’s Big Bash League match, Shaheen Afridi conceded 19 runs in one over and then left the field due to an injury. This
sparked a lot of criticism and comments from fans, with some questioning his exit despite his proven match-winning ability. pic.twitter.com/aNicuBbgdT
— BABAR🐐 (@BABAR9492) December 27, 2025
Shaheen Afridi left the ground in some discomfort, hoping for a quick recovery🤞#BBL15 pic.twitter.com/lVjPqPBbIE
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 27, 2025
His form has been poor. This was his fourth match, and he had managed only two wickets so far, averaging 76.50 and an economy rate of 11.19. But still, he’s Pakistan’s most important bowler, whom they can’t afford to lose only weeks before the 2026 T20 World Cup begins in India and Sri Lanka.
Afridi was hit for 19 runs by Australia-born Italian cricketer Harry Manenti. The 25-year-old seemed to understand that Afridi was a bit off in that over and took full toll every time the quick missed his length or bowled short without much pace on it.
Pakistan would hope that Afridi is able to recover in time.
As for the Heat, so far, they have managed to cushion the impact of Afridi’s non-performance. Even in this game, they scored a par 179/9 in the first innings and defended it by seven runs, led by captain Xavier Bartlett’s three-wicket haul for just 26 runs in his four overs.
“The captaincy side of things has been amazing; it’s very different being a bowling captain but it’s something I’m really enjoying and hopefully I continue to grow in the role. The plan was to try and take early wickets because they have a very good top order, especially in the top three or four, so we were looking for early inroads and although we didn’t get those initially, it was great that it went our way tonight,” Bartlett said after the match.
