Shaheen Afridi likely to be out until April

Pakistan pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi is likely to be sidelined until April after undergoing operation for appendicitis on Saturday, according to PTI.

Before the recent development, Afridi had suffered a knee injury during the T20 World Cup final against England last week, which needed him to undergo two-week rehabilitation.

"He underwent a surgical procedure to remove the appendicitis today and doctors have now advised him at least six weeks rest before he can return to cricket activities," a source in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCG) told PTI.

On Sunday, Afridi posted the news of his surgery on social media.

Had an appendectomy today but Alhumdulillah feeling better. Remember me in your prayers. 🤲 pic.twitter.com/M70HWwl9Cn

— Shaheen Shah Afridi (@iShaheenAfridi) November 20, 2022

Afridi was helped off the field by Pakistan's medical team during World Cup final at the MCG after the left-armer struggled to complete his run-up in 16th over. Afridi seem to be in pain few overs earlier when he was down on the ground after completing the catch of Harry Brook in Shadab Khan's bowling.

He was taken for scans next day which confirmed there were no signs of an injury and the knee discomfort was likely "due to a forced knee flexion whilst landing". The PCB said his "return to international cricket will be subject to the champion fast bowler's successful completion of the rehabilitation programme and following go-aheads by the medical staff."

The knee injury he suffered in July this year during the Test series against Sri Lanka, had seen Afridi sidelined for three months before the World Cup in Australia.

Pakistan will play three Tests against England at home from December 1-21 which will be followed by the ODI and Test series against New Zealand from December 27 to January 15.