Asia Cup | Mohammad Amir cheekily reacts after Shaheen Shah Afridi ruled out: I am trending on Twitter but why?

Shaheen Shah Afridi was ruled out of the Pakistan squad for the forthcoming Asia Cup after suffering a right knee ligament injury. He will also miss the England series.

Former Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Amir was astonished to see his name trending on Twitter hours after compatriot Shaheen Shah Afridi was ruled out of the squad for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022.

Shaheen Shah Afridi has been advised a 4-6 week rest by the PCB Medical Advisory Committee and independent specialists after suffering a right knee ligament injury. The 22-year-old sustained the injury while fielding during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. He will also miss the home series against England, but is expected to return to competitive cricket in October with the New Zealand T20I tri-series followed by the T20 World Cup in Australia.

After Afridi was ruled out, cricket fans started a trend, demanding Amir as the replacement player for the Asia Cup. Amir, who took retirement in 2020 but made himself available for selection from June last year, took to Twitter, asking: "m trending on twitter but why".

m trending on twitter but why

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

PCB Chief Medical Officer, Dr Najeebullah Soomro, said: "I have spoken with Shaheen and he is understandably upset with the news, but he is brave young man who has vowed to come back strongly to serve his country and team. 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. PCB’s Sports & Exercise Medicine Department will be working closely with the player over the coming weeks to ensure his safe return to competitive cricket."