Premature end to Shahid Afridi's last PSL as he quits tournament citing 'unbearable' back injury

Published February 13, 2022
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi speaks in video message posted on his YouTube channel on Sunday.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi speaks in video message posted on his YouTube channel on Sunday.

Quetta Gladiators veteran Shahid Afridi on Sunday withdrew from the remainder of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022 citing a back injury that has deteriorated to an "intolerable" level.

In a video message posted on his YouTube channel, the man nicknamed Boom Boom said he had been carrying his lower-back injury for more than 15 years, adding it was now causing unbearable pain to his entire body.

"I cannot bear it anymore," Afridi said.

The star-allrounder thanked Gladiators owner Nadeem Omar for his all-out support to him.

"I want to apologise to fans for not being to play the entire PSL and sign off on a good note".

He hoped to undergo the rehabilitation process and expressed his desire to return to the Kashmir Premier League and other T10 leagues in time to come.

Afridi said his welfare foundation was his "second innings and the most important one" to him.

He urged fans to pray for his health. "With the grace of God, I will appear in another league [soon]," said the former captain.

In his last game against Islamabad United yesterday, Afridi bowled four overs and got two scalps for 26 runs. However, he was yet to bat when the team chased down the 205-run target with the loss of five wickets.

It is pertinent to mention here that this was the last PSL season for Afridi as he had announced it last year.

In my final PSL event, it will be my dream and wish to sign off with another PSL trophy after tasting success with Peshawar Zalmi in 2017," he had added.

Opinion

Enter the deputy PM

Enter the deputy PM

Clearly, something has changed since for this step to have been taken and there are shifts in the balance of power within.

Editorial

All this talk
Updated 30 Apr, 2024

All this talk

The other parties are equally legitimate stakeholders in the country’s political future, and it must give them due consideration.
Monetary policy
30 Apr, 2024

Monetary policy

ALIGNING its decision with the trend in developed economies, the State Bank has acted wisely by holding its key...
Meaningless appointment
30 Apr, 2024

Meaningless appointment

THE PML-N’s policy of ‘family first’ has once again triggered criticism. The party’s latest move in this...
Weathering the storm
Updated 29 Apr, 2024

Weathering the storm

Let 2024 be the year when we all proactively ensure that our communities are safeguarded and that the future is secure against the inevitable next storm.
Afghan repatriation
29 Apr, 2024

Afghan repatriation

COMPARED to the roughshod manner in which the caretaker set-up dealt with the issue, the elected government seems a...
Trying harder
29 Apr, 2024

Trying harder

IT is a relief that Pakistan managed to salvage some pride. Pakistan had taken the lead, then fell behind before...