Shaheen Shah Afridi signs 3-year deal with Desert Vipers, will become 1st Pakistan player to feature in ILT20

Shaheen Shah Afridi has signed a three-year contract with Desert Vipers for the second season of the UAE’s ILT20. He will become the first Pakistan player to feature in ILT20.

Afridi’s T20 career with Pakistan is marked by impressive statistics. He has played 52 T20I matches, picking 64 wickets at an average of 22.73. His best individual figure stands at 4 for 22, demonstrating his ability to deliver under pressure.

In addition to that, Afridi has turned up for Pakistan in 27 Tests, claiming 105 wickets, and 36 one-day internationals, picking 70 wickets.

Beyond his national commitments, Afridi has also made his mark in franchise leagues. He started his T20 career with Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2018.

Under his captaincy, the Qalandars won the PSL in 2022 and successfully defended their title in 2023, making them the first team in PSL history to achieve this feat.

He will now become the first Pakistan player to feature in UAE’s ILT20. Speaking after signing the three-year deal, Afridi said h is excited to join the Desert Vipers and urged the Pakistan cricket fans in UAE to support his new team.

“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 ILT20,” Afridi said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Desert Vipers director of cricket Tom Moody heaped praise on Afridi, saying he’s a player of world-class caliber.

“Shaheen is undeniably a player of world-class calibre who has had a significant impact not only for Pakistan but for every team he’s played for in recent times,” said Moody.

In addition to his success in the PSL, Afridi has also played for other franchises. He signed a two-year contract with Dhaka Dynamites, a major Bangladesh Premier League franchise, in 2017.