After a shocking revelation by former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi about the knee rehabilitation programme of pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi in London, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finally responded to the claims.
Sources said the PCB has admitted that Shaheen paid for the ticket from Dubai to London, maintaining that the young cricketer and the Board have reached an understanding now that his travel and medical expenses for knee ligament injury will be reimbursed later.
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They said that Shaheen paid for the ticket because he himself had booked it online because relevant logistical arrangements couldn’t be made due to a shortage of time. Upon reaching London, Shaheen shifted to a hotel after staying with Dr Zafar for a few days, sources added.
The PCB has reportedly assured Shaheen of reimbursing the amount for his medical treatment and rehabilitation, travel, and stay in a hotel, among other expenses.
The cricket governing body earlier said in a statement, not directly addressing Shahid, that it has always been responsible for arranging medical care and rehabilitation of all of the players and will do so in future too.
“It goes without saying that the PCB has always been and will continue to be responsible for arranging medical care and rehabilitation of all its players requiring any treatment,” read a statement originally issued to share updates on Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen’s medical rehabilitation.
It said that the doctors in its advisory panel for Fakhar include Dr Zafar and Dr Imtiaz, who also treated Shaheen.
Source: GEO TV
History
Dubai, 29 August 2022: The Pakistan Cricket Board today announced Shaheen Shah Afridi has departed for London where he will complete his rehabilitation.
PCB Chief Medical Officer, Dr Najeebullah Soomro: “Shaheen Shah Afridi requires uninterrupted, dedicated knee specialist care and London offers some of the best sports medical and rehabilitation facilities in the world. In the best interest of the player, we have decided to send him there.
“The medical department will receive daily feedback on his progress whilst in London and we are confident Shaheen will return to full fitness before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.”
Whilst in London, Shaheen will remain under the supervision of the PCB Medical Advisory Panel, which also comprises London-based Dr Imtiaz Ahmed and Dr Zafar Iqbal. Since 2016, Dr Imtiaz has been the Head of Medical Services at the Queens Park Rangers Football Club, while Dr Zafar is Head of Sports Medicine at the Crystal Palace Football Club since 2015 (having worked previously with Tottenham Hotspur FC, Liverpool FC and Kent County Cricket Club).
Shaheen suffered a PCL injury in July whilst fielding during the first Test against Sri Lanka. He is expected to regain complete fitness before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, though his return to competitive cricket will be decided upon by the PCB Medical Advisory Panel.
