Pakistan provides major update on Shaheen Afridi's availability for India clash in T20 WC

The T20 World Cup 2022 will start in Australia on Sunday (October 16) when Sri Lanka will take on Namibia in the first round of the competition. Eight teams will play in the first round to qualify for the remaining four spots in the "Super 12" round.

However, the biggest clash of the tournament will be played on October 23 (Sunday), when two arch rivals will lock horns at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Just like in the last edition, both teams will open their campaigns with a match against each other, which will set the tone for these two teams for the rest of the tournament.

Notably, both teams are having their own issues at the moment. India is struggling with their bowling attack, in the absense of ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, while Pakistan is struggling with their middle-order problems.

But ahead of the mega clash in the tournament, Pakistan got a huge confidence booster as their star pacer Shaheen Afridi has been cleared fit and he is ready to join the team as per the schedule. Pakistan is currently playing a tri-series in New Zealand and after that they will fly to Australia.

The Men in Green will play two warm-up games against England and Afghanistan on October 17 and 19, respectively. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the news that the pacer will join the team in Australia after undergoing his rehab under the supervision of the Medical Advisory Committee.

This will surely boost the confidence of the Pakistan team, who missed the pacer badly. Shaheen was also excited and said he is looking forward to joining the team for the T20 World Cup and wants to play his part.

He further said, "I have been bowling six to eight overs trouble-free for the past 10 days with full run-up and pace. While I have enjoyed bowling and batting in the nets, nothing can replace the feel of match environment and I can’t wait to be in that setting."

The medical team will look after Shaheen's fitness during both warm-up matches and, if everything goes well, the pacer will make it to the playing XI for the first game against India on October 23.