London: Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will represent Middlesex in the 2022 season, the club has announced on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old pacer will feature in the County Championship matches till mid-July and complete T20 Blast campaign.
“I am very excited to be playing for Middlesex next season. I know from my time in England they are a great county and to play at the Home of Cricket really will be a dream come true. I am looking forward to being part of the team and helping create a wonderful season for the club,” Shaheen said.
Shaheen bagged seven wickets from seven matches in the 2020 T20 Blast for Hampshire, including four wickets in four balls to end with 6 for 19.
Andrew Cornish, the club’s Chief Executive, was understandably pleased with their new signing. “We are absolutely delighted to have secured the services of one of international crickets’ most exciting talents. Shaheen is a world-class pace bowler, and we are thrilled that he will be representing us in 2022,” he said. “His signature was highly sought-after, and the fact that he has chosen to join Middlesex is a massive coup for us as a Club and speaks volumes of our ambitions.
“We need Middlesex to be competing at the top level and challenging for trophies. Signing players of Shaheen’s calibre, who can add quality and experience to our existing squad, is a significant step towards us getting there. Shaheen is a genuine match winner and I’m sure all our members will be excited to welcome him to Middlesex and share in our delight that he will be wearing the three Seaxes of the Club on his chest next season.”
It must be noted Shaheen has featured in 19 Tests, 28 ODIs and 30 T20Is for Pakistan and has 161 wickets across formats.
