'There are concerns'- Babar Azam sheds light on India’s big threat Shaheen Afridi’s availability for the Asia Cup 2022

India and Pakistan are all set to lock horns with each other in their first match of the Asia Cup 2022 on the 28^th of August later this month. Both teams have announced their squad for the multi-team continental tournament. Speaking of Pakistan, the star pacer Shaheen Afridi sustained an injury during the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka last month.

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Although, he is a part of the Pakistani squad for the Asia Cup 2022. Recently, skipper Babar Azam has come up with a major update on the availability of the speedster. Babar’s statement is just ahead of the three-match ODI series against the Netherlands.

Notably, Afridi won the award of player of the year in 2021 but he is currently not in action due to an injury.

We are thinking from a long-term perspective - Babar Azam

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Speaking about the 22-year-old’s availability for the team, Babar informed the media about his recovery development.

“There are concerns over Shaheen's fitness. We are taking him along because the doctor and the physio are traveling with the team, so he can be looked after well. We are thinking from a long-term perspective. There is the Asia Cup and the World Cup as well,” Babar was quoted as saying in the pre-departure press conference.

“We are trying to ensure he can get ready as soon as possible. We are hoping that he can play at least one match in the Netherlands. If not, then hopefully he can play in the Asia Cup," the skipper added later.

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Shaheen made it to the headlines for his outstanding spell against India during last year’s World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. He scalped the three big wickets of the Indian team including the likes of former skipper Virat Kohli alongside senior batters Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul.

Pakistani fans are expecting that he might return in action for the clash against the arch-rivals in the first match of their campaign in the tournament.