Lahore: Pakistan's T20 World Cup prospects received a significant boost as fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is expected to recover from a knee injury in time to lead the bowling attack at the upcoming tournament. The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to commence on February 7, will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Afridi, 25, has been undergoing rehabilitation for his knee injury, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) closely monitoring his progress. "My rehab is ongoing, with the PCB team monitoring it," Afridi said. He is currently engaged in gym work and batting practice, with plans to resume bowling next week.

The injury, while concerning, is reportedly less severe than previous ones. Afridi mentioned that the MRI results were not alarming, and he anticipates a swift recovery. "There's a bit of swelling on the bone. The MRI report wasn't that [concerning], this might not take a month. It's more like a week," he stated.

This update is a timely boost for Pakistan, who are eager to reclaim the T20 World Cup title, a feat they last achieved 16 years ago in England. The team had a disappointing exit in the group stage of the previous edition but showed improvement by finishing as runners-up in the 2022 tournament.

Afridi emphasized the team's efforts to enhance performance across all areas. "There's always ups and downs in any sport," he noted. "But the aim is to learn from everywhere so that when you play for your country, you've improved."

Currently, Pakistan is engaged in a three-match T20I series in Sri Lanka, which Afridi believes will serve as valuable preparation for the World Cup. "Anytime you go to a country before a tournament and play some games there, it helps the players," he remarked.

Pakistan is placed in Group A, alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the United States. The team will kick off their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo.