India are scheduled to take on Pakistan in the Asia Cup on 28th August and the biggest threat for the star-studded Indian batting line-up will once again be the left-handed paceman Shaheen Shah Afridi. It was Afridi, who gouged India’s possibilities in last year’s T20 World Cup clash between the main opponents as he excused openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul during a blazing spell.

Pakistan’s premier paceman, who was decreed ICC’s Player of the Year in 2021, is right now sidelined because of an injury. Afridi missed Pakistan’s second Test against Sri Lanka because of a swollen knee and the team proceeded to lose the match.

In front of the team’s takeoff for the tour through Netherlands and Asia Cup, captain Babar Azam was asked about Afridi’s wellness. He said that Shaheen was being taken to Netherlands so he could be cared for by the team doctor and physio and if possible get a game in Netherlands to get ready for the Asia Cup.

“There are concerns over Shaheen’s fitness. We are taking him along because the doctor and the physio are travelling with the team, so he can be looked after well. We are thinking from a long-term perspective. There is the Asia Cup and the World Cup as well. We are trying to ensure he can get ready as soon as possible. We are hoping that he can play at least one match in the Netherlands. If not, then hopefully he can play in the Asia Cup,”

Azam said

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It is plausible that India and Pakistan clash thrice in the competition and fans couldn’t imagine anything better than to witness that.