Shahid Afridi ruled out of PSL 2021 Abu Dhabi leg; Asif Afridi named replacement

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to host the remaining matches of the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). PSL 2021 commenced on February 20 at the National Stadium in Karachi. However, the authorities were forced to suspend the T20 Championship after hosting just 14 games due to a potential breach in the bio-secure bubble.

As all the six franchises are now gearing up for the Abu Dhabi leg, Multan Sultans have been dealt with a massive blow. It is learned that their decorated all-rounder Shahid Afridi has been ruled out of the T20 extravaganza after suffering an injury in his lower back.

Afridi was quite excited about the Abu Dhabi leg of PSL 2021 as was undergoing hard training and practice sessions in Karachi. However, while training for the event, the veteran faced severe pain in his lower back. A visit to the doctor resulted in him getting ruled out of the Pakistan Super League as he has been advised complete rest.

Losing Shahid Afridi will be a big blow for the Multan Sultans as the all-rounder comes with a lot of experience under his belt. The 44-year-old has featured in a whopping 99 T20 Internationals scoring 1416 runs at a strike rate of 150 along with picking 98 wickets at an economy rate of 6.63. 

Asif Afridi to join Sultans

Afridi took to his official Twitter handle to reveal the news of him skipping the remaining matches of PSL 2021. “While training for the remainder of the HBL Pakistan Super League 6, I felt lower back pain and had to consult a doctor. Unfortunately, I have been advised to rest and can no longer accompany my team Multan Sultans for the Abu Dhabi leg. 

“I am disappointed that I would be sitting out of the tournament, but my best wishes, support, and prayers are with the team to take the trophy,” Afridi tweeted while sharing a picture of him from the hospital.

Meanwhile, it is learned that Multan Sultans have also found a potential replacement for the former Pakistan captain. Shahid Afridi will be replaced by Asif Afridi, who is a left-arm spinner with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Asif is a notable name in Pakistan’s domestic circuit.

The 34-year-old has featured in 42 T20 matches scoring 386 runs at an average of 18.4 and strike rate of 141.4. He also has 33 wickets under his belt at an economy rate of 7.51 and an average of 25.4.

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