Pakistan’s ace fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi arrived in Dhaka on Saturday to participate in the 11th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
The left-arm pacer will represent defending champions Fortune Barishal, marking his maiden appearance in the prestigious T20 tournament.
He joins a formidable squad that includes Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, emerging talent Jahandad Khan and pacer Muhammad Ali.
The team is set to face newcomers Durbar Rajshahi in the tournament opener on December 30 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
In an official statement, Fortune Barishal expressed excitement about securing Shaheen as a direct signing.
"Pakistani left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will play for Fortune Barishal in the upcoming BPL," the franchise stated.
The 24-year-old has been granted a no-objection certificate (NOC) by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and will be available for the first five matches of the league, as confirmed by the franchise.
The BPL 2024-25 features seven franchises: Dhaka Capitals, Chittagong Kings, Durbar Rajshahi, Fortune Barishal, Khulna Tigers, Rangpur Riders, and Sylhet Strikers.
The competition will run until February 7, 2025.
Shaheen was left out of Pakistan's squad for the ongoing two-match Test series against South Africa and is also unlikely to be available for the home Test series against the West Indies.
The PCB cited "workload management" as the reason behind his omission, emphasising the need to preserve his fitness for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
"Shaheen Shah Afridi, who also missed the last two Tests against England, has been picked for the white-ball matches as part of his workload management so that he is in his best fitness and form for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025," read a PCB release during the announcement of the squads for the South Africa tour.
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.- Shaheen Afridi