Multan Sultans’ Shahid Afridi will not be taking part in the Abu Dhabi leg of the rescheduled Pakistan Super League 2021 which resumes from 5 June. While training in Karachi, Afridi complained of lower-back pain. Upon subsequent assessment, the doctors advised him complete rest. Asif Afridi, a left-arm spinner, will replace him for the remainder of the season.
‘While training for the remainder of the HBL Pakistan Super League 6, I felt lower back pain and had to consult a doctor,’ tweeted Shahid Afridi.
While training for the remainder of @thePSLt20, I felt lower back pain & had to consult a doctor. Unfortunately I have been advised to rest and can no longer accompany my team @MultanSultans. I am heartbroken 💔 as I was practicing and training really hard. pic.twitter.com/OjaHD1w9cg
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) May 24, 2021
Shahid Afridi, now 41, featured in all four matches for the Sultans this season before the PSL got postponed. His absence will leave a big void for the franchise as the PSL enters its business end. With four losses and just one win, Multan is placed only above Quetta Gladiators.
Afridi has played 21 matches for Multan since joining them in 2019. Before that, he plied his trade for Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) breathed a great sigh of relief after receiving the requisite exemptions from the UAE government to stage the rest of the PSL 2021 matches in Abu Dhabi. The tournament was earlier postponed after a spate of Covid-19 cases among players and support staff. Only 20 more matches are to be played, and the PCB will soon announce the full-fledged schedule.