Pakistan star Shaheen Shah Afridi joins Desert Vipers for DP World ILT20 Season 2

All-format Shaheen Shah Afridi, a standout from Pakistan, is at the top of the list of new players signed for the DP World ILT20 Season 2.

The fast bowler, who has wowed audiences everywhere with his quick left-arm deliveries (229 wickets in 161 T20s), will represent the winners of the inaugural season, the Desert Vipers. The competition is slated to take place in January-February 2024; the full list of new signings for Season 2 will be made public in the coming days.

Since making his T20I debut in 2018, Shaheen has excelled in all forms. He received The Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, the largest ICC yearly honour given to a cricket player, last year after being named the ICC Player of the Year. His total number of wickets for the international stage is 239 (105 Tests, 70 ODIs, and 64 T20Is).

Shaheen, a 23-year-old T20 bowler, has a tremendous propensity for picking up wickets early in his spells; to date, he has 42 first over wickets.

Shaheen Shah Afridi: “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’s addition enhances the value and calibre of the DP World ILT20’s already stellar T20 star lineup. The six franchises have been successful in keeping hold of some of the top players on the international T20 circuit, such as top run-getter Alex Hales (Green Belt winner) and top wicket-taker Chris Jordan (White Belt winner) from the previous season.

Andre Russell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Sikandar Raza, Chris Lynn, Kieron Pollard, and Chris Woakes are just a few of the T20 powerhouses who will compete in the DP World ILT20 Season 2 in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah to show off their skills. More prominent athletes will be announced soon.

-IANS