Pakistan national cricket team star Shaheen Afridi has been ruled out of the remaining matches of the Big Bash League 2025-26 (BBL 2025-26) in Australia, where he was representing Brisbane Heat.

PCB recalls BBL’s Shaheen Afridi, withdraws NOC after knee injury scare

Afridi’s Big Bash League season came to an abrupt end with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) taking the precautionary decision to recall its star pacer and revoke his No Objection Certificate (NOC) due to a knee issue in view of the upcoming 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.

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The left-arm pacer will return to Pakistan immediately to begin his rehabilitation program at PCB’s High Performance Center in Lahore. According to reports, the PCB medical staff has recommended structured rehabilitation at home to avoid the risk of further strain in the ongoing 2025-26 BBL season.

Shaheen’s roadmap to recovery and emotional farewell

Shaheen Afridi confirmed his departure on social media and thanked the Brisbane Heat and their fans for their love and support. He pledged to support the club off the pitch.

Shaheen Afridi shared on

Shaheen Afridi’s BBL career with Brisbane Heat was cut short by a knee injury.#BBL15 pic.twitter.com/blbZAXoUJ5

— Circle of Cricket (@circleofcricket) December 30, 2025

His rehabilitation will begin in Lahore under the supervision of the PCB medical team. The timetable for his return will be announced later as he was not included in the Pakistan squad for the T20I series in Sri Lanka, which means he is likely to return directly for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.

Shaheen Afridi leaves Brisbane Heat in disappointment

Afridi’s departure is a major blow to the Heat, who signed the Pakistan fast bowler as an overseas player for the ongoing Big Bash League 2025-26. The club said they will announce Afridi’s replacement for the remainder of the season at a later date.

An official statement on the club’s website read: “Brisbane Heat have confirmed that Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will return home with a knee injury. Afridi suffered a cartilage injury in his knee while playing in the Heat’s final win over Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba on Saturday night.

Also read: Shaheen Afridi fakes injury in BBL match? Pacers leave the pitch after being demolished by Adelaide Strikers

After consultations with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical staff over the past 24 hours, it was agreed that Afridi will cut short his playing days in the KFC Big Bash League and return home for further treatment ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. “

“We wish him a speedy recovery and all the best in his preparations for the T20 World Cup,” Brisbane Heat chief executive Terry Swinson said.

pakistani pacemaker @iShaheenAfridi Will be home due to knee injury. 💔

More 👉https://t.co/mRHEgoGo8S

— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) December 30, 2025