Darwin: Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas Afridi has stepped in for the injured Kashif Ali in the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the upcoming Top End T20 series in Darwin. Kashif Ali, sidelined by a thigh injury, will return to Pakistan for rehabilitation, paving the way for Afridi’s inclusion in the team.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, Kashif sustained a right thigh tear during the second four-day match against Bangladesh ‘A’ held from 26 to 29 July. His injury necessitates a return to Pakistan for his recovery process. Mohammad Abbas Afridi, who has already made a mark with 16 wickets in 10 T20 International matches, including participation in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, has been named as his replacement.

The squad for the Top End T20 Series, led by Mohammad Haris, includes Abdul Faseeh, Arafat Minhas, Arif Yaqoob, Faisal Akram, Haseebullah (wicketkeeper/batter), Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Mubasir Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Tayyab Tahir, and Usman Khan. The series is set to begin on 9 August, promising intense competition with Abbas now among the ranks.