Former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram sounded a bit worried for his country ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup 2022. The continental championship will get underway on August 27 with Sri Lanka and Afghanistan locking horns in the tournament-opener. As far as Pakistan are concerned, they will open their campaign against arch-rivals and defending champions India.

And ahead of the tournament, Pakistan have suffered a huge injury blow. Their pace spearhead and one of world’s best bowlers Shaheen Afridi has been ruled out of Asia Cup 2022 due to a knee injury. Afridi had suffered the injury last month during the first Test in Galle against Sri Lanka. He was expected to be fit for the Asia Cup but has been advised more rest by the team doctors.

Pakistan have replaced him with right-arm pacer Mohammad Hasnain. And with Afridi out of the tournament, Wasim Akram believes Pakistan will have a lot to worry about. The legendary pacer stated that while there would be no dearth of pace in Pakistan bowling, they would not have too many variations.

“Shaheen Afridi will be much missed. He is significant because of the new ball. In this format, you must limit the opposition by taking early wickets, which is what the accomplishes. In all
formats, he assaults the stumps,” Wasim Akram told Star Sports.

“He was chastised for not taking a break, although he is just 22. He has a knee injury that takes time to heal and you are always afraid it will come back. He is one of the top three bowlers in the world, so this is a major loss for Pakistan.

“There is still pace in the bowling department, but little variation (without Shaheen’s left arm pace). They are all right-handers,” he added.

Shaheen Afridi against India:

Shaheen Afridi has played only two matches against India and has already made his mark. The last time he faced them was in the T20 World Cup last year. Afridi dismissed Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and then Virat Kohli to setup a memorable 10-wicket win for Pakistan.