T20 World Cup 2022: Is Shaheen Shah Afridi fit for the World Cup opener against India?

Shaheen Shah took to Twitter a few days back to write, "Calm before the storm." The cryptic tweet made it apparent that he intends to give Pakistan's forthcoming matches his all.

With the return of Shaheen Shah, Pakistan doubles its strength

Shaheen Afridi missed the Asia Cup 2022 and seven-match T20I series against England at home due to injury. 

But now Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja confirmed in the latest interview that the left-arm pacer would play the first match against India in the World Cup.

Ramiz Raja said, "I spoke to Shaheen Afridi two days ago. He is making great progress and the doctors sent me his videos. He told me that he will go (to Australia) to play the practice matches and be ready for India."

He further gave updates about Fakhar Zaman and Usman Qadir's injuries. 

"Usman Qadir injured, hairline fracture in finger, we will see what option we have, Fakhar Zaman also getting better, I feel he can be very important, but it's a call of team management about him and XI," Ramiz Raja told Dawn News. 

Shaheen Shah Afridi has been facing issues in his knee since the test series against Sri Lanka in July. He was touring with his side at almost every tournament until it worsened, and he had to go to London for treatment. 

An important decision to be made by the Pakistani team

As Ramiz Raja has deemed Shaheen Afridi fit for the World Cup, former cricketer Salman Butt still believes that Pakistan should not hurry or risk him to play if he is not 100 per cent fit. 

"Even if it is a partial tear, you should not risk Shaheen. World Cups will come and go. Shaheen is not a player of just one World Cup. He can play the next five as well," said Salman Butt.

Undoubtedly, Shaheen Shah Afridi's return will significantly boost Pakistan as he is the most reliable wicket-taker in the bowling attack who can help them win this World Cup. Especially considering the matches are in Australia, the pitches are meant to aid seamers like him. But Pakistan should avoid playing him in a hurry if his injury still has scope for recovery.

India made the same mistake with Jasprit Bumrah, which has cost them to miss his services in the mega-tournament and now they are forced to look for his replacement.