For the second ILT20 season, Shaheen Afridi, probably one of the best white-ball bowlers in the world, has been roped in by the Desert Vipers. The left-arm fast bowler is about to sign a three-year deal to join the Vipers. On January 13, 2024, the league’s second season is slated to start.
Afridi, 23, has an outstanding resume, having taken 239 wickets in 52 T20 matches, 36 ODIs, and 27 Test matches. He is now the first player from Pakistan to be signed by an IL team.
Notably, the same franchise tried to recruit a few Pakistani players last year, but those attempts failed for a number of reasons, including the Pakistan Cricket Board’s refusal of the NOC or a lack of availability. The six-team league’s other five franchises have decided against recruiting a Pakistani player.
“Shaheen is undeniably a player of world-class caliber who has left a significant impact not only on Pakistan cricket but also on every team he’s represented in recent times,” said Tom Moody, the Director of Cricket for the Vipers. His remarkable leadership abilities will surely increase the worth of the Desert Vipers in the future. “His effectiveness as a fast bowler has decimated several top-order batsmen. We are thrilled to have signed a player of his caliber, who is well regarded in the cricket community,” Moody continued.
Afridi declared, “I am thrilled to be a part of the Desert Vipers,” to show off his excitement. I’m aware that there are a sizable number of Pakistani cricket fans in the UAE, and I’m hoping they would support our squad totally throughout the next ILT20 competition.
