DUBAI: The International League T20 (ILT20) franchise Desert Vipers have roped in ace Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi for the second edition of the cash-rich league.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, who proved his mettle across the world with his excruciating pace and sensational swing, spearheaded the new players’ signings list for the ILT20 Season 2.
“All-format Pakistan superstar Shaheen Shah Afridi spearheads the new players signings list for the DP World ILT20 Season 2,” said ILT20 in a statement.
“The fast bowler who has made a stunning impression around the world with his pacy left-arm deliveries (229 wickets in 161 T20s) will play for the inaugural season’s finalists Desert Vipers,” the statement added.
The full list of new Season 2 signings will be revealed in the coming days, with the event set to take place in January-February 2024, a window that is likely to clash with the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Upon being picked by the inaugural season’s runners-up Desert Vipers, Shaheen Shah Afridi expressed excitement and hope that the fans will support his team in the next edition.
“I am excited to join the Desert Vipers. I know there are many Pakistan cricket fans in the UAE, and I hope they will support our team in the upcoming DP World ILT20,” Shaheen was quoted saying by ILT20.
Making his T20I debut in 2018, Shaheen Afridi soon made a name for himself in the international circuit. His exceptional performances across formats in 2021, earned him The Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy – the biggest ICC annual award for a cricketer.
In his decorated and rising international career, Shaheen Afridi has thus far taken 239 wickets (105 Tests, 70 ODIs and 64 T20Is).
In recent years, Shaheen Shah Afridi has emerged as a lethal force with the new ball as the left-arm pacer has thus far taken 42 first-over wickets in the T20 format.
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