'This injury could be career threatening' - Salman Butt gives stern warning regarding Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi, Salman Butt (Image Source: Twitter)

Shaheen Afridi is one of the future prospects for Pakistan and justifiably, the pacer has already proven his prowess with the ball. Having represented Pakistan in 25 Tests, the youngster has bagged 99 wickets to name in the format. In 32 ODIs, Afridi has 62 wickets and 47 wickets in the T20I format from 40 matches. 

Salman Butt, the former Pakistan skipper, backed the pacer and warned the Pakistan team management to manage his workload. For the unversed, the pacer is undergoing rehabilitation after sustaining a knee injury and his participation in the 20-20 World Cup 2022 is doubtful. However, Butt said that Afridi must be protected at all costs. 

According to NDTV reports, the 22-year-old might reach Australia on October 15, ahead of Pakistan’s opening scuffle against India on October 23. Butt was not the only former cricketer to advise the youngster to not participate in the tournament. Aaqib Javed reiterated Butt’s words and requested Afridi to not take part as it might aggravate the injury. 

Shaheen Afridi is not a one World Cup player: Butt

In an interview with Paktv.tv, Butt said that his career can come to an end if the injury aggravates. Further, he added that Afridi can play the next five World Cups if he stays fit. “Shaheen is not a one World Cup player. He can play the next five, if he stays fit. World Cups will come and go. If he is rushed, this injury could be career threatening," Butt said on Paktv.tv.

"The ODI World Cup next year, and in the next 10 years there will be two more. So, in order to prolong his career, you need to preserve him. If he didn't get injured, he would've played every game, and Naseem might've not made his debut,” added the former Pakistan captain.

Javed, who seconded Butt’s opinion, further emphasised the talent that Afridi possesses and rated him a once-in-a-generation player. “Fast bowlers like Shaheen Afridi are not born every day. My advice to Shaheen Afridi is not to play the upcoming 20-20 World Cup because Shaheen is more important than this World Cup,” Javed was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.