Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi was ruled out of the Asia Cup on Saturday after the Pakistan Cricket Board Advisory Committee and independent specialists advised the left-arm fast bowler for four to six weeks to rest following the latest scans and reports.

“This means Shaheen has been ruled out of the ACC T20 Asia Cup and home series against England,” the PCB said in a press release. “But is expected to return to competitive cricket in October with the New Zealand T20I tri-series, which will be followed by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022.”

Shaheen had suffered a right knee ligament injury while fielding during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Fans were expecting a similar clash, like the one in T20 World Cup, in the mega event between Afridi and Indian batters on August 28 when the arch-rivals would meet for the opening contest of the event.

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The nine-team Twenty20 tournament would be played in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai hosts 10 matches, including the September 11 final, while three will be played in Sharjah.

“I have spoken with Shaheen and he is understandably upset with the news, but he is a brave young man who has vowed to come back strongly to serve his country and team,” Dr Najeebullah Soomro, the PCB chief medical officer, said.

“Although he has made progress during his rehabilitation in Rotterdam, it is now clear he will require more time and is likely to return to competitive cricket in October.”

The PCB’s Sports and Exercise Medicine Department would be working closely with the player over the coming weeks to ensure his safe return to competitive cricket.

“Shaheen will stay with the squad to complete his rehabilitation. His replacement for the ACC T20 Asia Cup will be announced shortly. The Pakistan side will arrive in Dubai from Rotterdam on Monday.”