Shaheen Shah Afridi is set for a lengthy time off the park after his right knee awkwardly buckled sitting under a high ball in the T20 World Cup final in what was a match-defining moment for Pakistan.
The fast bowler made an appearance at the crease shortly after but pulled up lame in his stride, with grave concerns heard around the MCG as the seriousness of his injury was evident.
Scans on Monday revealed the discomfort he was experiencing was predominantly "due to a forced knee flexion whilst landing" and was advised for a two-week rest period, however, precautionary measures will be taken with knee troubles an ongoing issue for Afridi.
Upcoming Tests on home soil against England in early December and New Zealand touring in following month of January may prove to be too short of a turnaround for the 22-year-old.
The Pakistan Cricket Board have ruled a "return to international cricket will be subject to the champion fast bowler's successful completion of the rehabilitation programme and following go-aheads by the medical staff."
Right arm quick Harris Rauf looms as his replacement for a deserved shot at a debut in red-ball cricket after a sustained period of success representing his country in the shorter formats.
Afridi was an integral part of Pakistan's World Cup campaign, contributing with 11 wickets in the tournament to help guide his side agonisingly close to trumping England in the final.
