Shaheen Afridi to undergo rehabilitation for knee injury in London

Pakistan Cricket Board on Monday said that pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will undergo rehabilitation for his knee injury in London in order to be fit for the T20 World Cup in October.

Afridi has been sidelined for the ongoing Asia Cup due to a knee ligament injury he suffered during the first Test against Sri Lanka in July. Earlier this month, the left-armer travelled to the Netherlands for the limited-overs series against the Dutch, but did not play after the medical staff determined the seriousness of the injury.

"Shaheen Shah Afridi requires uninterrupted, dedicated knee specialist care and London offers some of the best sports medical and rehabilitation facilities in the world," PCB's chief medical officer Najeebullah Soomro said in a release issued by the board on Monday. 

"In the best interest of the player, we have decided to send him there. The medical department will receive daily feedback on his progress whilst in London and we are confident Shaheen will return to full fitness before the ICC Men's T20 World Cup," Soomro added.

Afridi will remain under the supervision of the PCB Medical Advisory Panel, which also comprises London-based Dr Imtiaz Ahmed and Dr Zafar Iqbal.

The lengthy recovery means Afridi will not be part of Pakistan's home T20I series against England starting on September 11.