Lahore, Feb 21 (PTI): The Pakistan cricket team suffered an injury scare ahead of the Asia Cup when their flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi hurt his jaw during a practice match at the Gaddafi stadium.

"Although the injury is not a serious one but doctors have advised him to speak less for two days because the impact was on the jaw," national coach Moin Khan told reporters.

Afridi was hit near the jaw when trying to paddle sweep pacer Junaid Khan. The ball flew off the edge of the bat and hit his helmet's visor which struck the jaw. Afridi was seen walking around with a big bruise on the right side of his face.

The former captain is expected to be a key player in Pakistan's campaign in the Asia Cup to be held from February 25 and the World Twenty20 Championships from March 16 in Bangladesh.

The outspoken player had told reporters a day earlier that Pakistan stood a very strong chance of winning the two major events.

"I am looking forward to these events as we have very good sides and I am keen to play a major role in them," Afridi said.