ISLAMABAD: Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has resumed his rehabilitation in Karachi, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Monday, adding that the move would allow his “smooth return” to action.

Afridi, widely considered one of the most lethal fast bowlers in modern cricket currently, suffered a right knee ligament injury while fielding during the first Test against Sri Lanka in July.

The left-arm pacer returned to action in time for the T20 World Cup in October last year. However, during the tournament’s final against England on November 13, he aggravated his injury after landing on his knee while taking a catch.

Afridi hobbled off the ground, unable to complete his full quota of four overs. The injury ended up costing Pakistan the match, as the English batters pounded Iftikhar Ahmed, who bowled the remainder of Afridi’s unfinished over.

In a statement on Monday, the PCB updated fans on Afridi’s rehabilitation by saying that he would resume his rehabilitation under the supervision of the national squad’s medical staff in Karachi. “While providing Shaheen top-notch care, this move will allow the medical staff to track his progression and pave way for his smooth return to action,” it added.

The cricket board also provided an update on fast bowler Haris Rauf, who has also been out of action since last month after suffering a strain in his quad muscles.

“The interim selection committee and team management have invited right-arm fast bowler Haris Rauf to be assessed by the team’s medical staff so a decision on his availability for the three One-Day Internationals against New Zealand — to be played next week — can be made,” the board said.