Shaheen Afridi has revealed that he will return to Pakistan for rehab after suffering an "unexpected injury" during the Big Bash League.

Afridi was representing the Brisbane Heat in Australia's domestic T20 competition, but picked up just two wickets in four matches for the side.

The injury seemed to have occurred in the matchup between the Heat and the Adelaide Strikers on December 27, with Afridi limping off while pointing to his right knee.

Afridi has previously struggled with problems with that knee, which saw him miss the early stages of the 2022 T20 World Cup, while he was also unable to play the whole of the final against England.

Pakistan face Sri Lanka in three T20Is, starting on January 7, before they get their T20 World Cup campaign underway against the Netherlands a month later.

Afridi released a statement on social media that said: "I'm massively thankful to the Brisbane Heat team and fans for showering me with immense love and support.

I’m massively thankful to the *Brisbane Heat* team and fans for showering me with immense love and support.

Due to an unexpected injury; I have been called back by the PCB and will have to take a rehab. Hopefully, I will be back in the fields soon. 

Meanwhile, I will be… pic.twitter.com/jsSS2oYGP6

— Shaheen Afridi (@iShaheenAfridi) December 30, 2025

"Due to an unexpected injury, I have been called back by the PCB and will have to take a rehab. Hopefully, I will be back in the fields soon.

"Meanwhile, I will be cheering for the amazing team [Brisbane Heat]."