Pakistan pace bowling spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi has been ruled out of the three-match Test series against England following an appendicitis surgery. Pakistan cricket team's Chief Selector Mohammad Wasim on Monday announced the national squad for the home Test series against England, starting December 1.  The pace bowling spearhead Shaheen has been ruled out of the three-match Test series following an appendectomy surgery to remove the appendix when it is infected at a local hospital on Sunday.

The absence of Shaheen has dealt a huge blow to the Pakistani side, who rely massively on the young bowler to lead the team's pace attack. The star pacer's availability in the 18-member squad was already doubful due to a knee injury, which he suffered during the T20 World Cup 2022 final against England on November 13. Then, he also underwent appendicitis surgery. Shaheen, Pakistan's strike bowler in all formats of the game, has 99 Test, 62 ODI, and 58 T20 international wickets from a career that started in 2018.

The pacer’s family sources have told  that Shaheen was experiencing pain and discomfort in his lower abdomen late Saturday and following a consultation process with local as well as Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) doctors, he was advised a surgery. Shaheen then underwent the surgical process early Sunday. “He is feeling very comfortable following the minor surgical process required to remove his appendicitis.

He is expected to be discharged early today Monday after going through the required tests,” said the concerned medical officer when approached. The doctors have advised Shaheen complete rest for the next two weeks before starting any light or medium-range exercises.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-INP