The Desert Vipers team shared a post on X (Twitter) that hinted Shaheen Afridi as their new signing. It is clear from the shared picture and post that Shaheen will play for the Vipers next year.
The previous edition of ILT20 2023, which is sponsored by Indian companies and IPL franchises, featured no Pakistani players. Ramiz Raja, then PCB chairman, refused to send them to the tournament. In exchange for releasing their players, he asked the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) for compensation.
Shaheen Afridi has signed with Desert Vipers for the second season of the ILT20 2024
The contract he signed is for three years and will be the first Pakistani to play in the league starting from 13th January 2024 of next year.
“This is an exciting opportunity for me to join the Desert Vipers. I hope many Pakistan cricket fans in the UAE will support us in the upcoming ILT20,” said Afridi.
Tom Moody, Vipers director of cricket, said of the new signing
He has made a significant contribution not just to Pakistan but also to every team he has played for in recent years.” He offers a tremendous amount as an impact pace bowler who has destroyed countless top-orders, as well as outstanding leadership skills that will add an incredible amount of value to the Desert Vipers.
ILT20’s inaugural edition was preceded by offers of USD 900,000 to Pakistani players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan.
In addition to Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hasnain was also in demand for the league. Last year, wicketkeeper Azam Khan was chosen by the Vipers, but he did not receive a No-Objection Certificate (NOC).
In the inaugural edition of the ILT20, Dubai Capitals, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, MI Emirates, Sharjah Warriors, Gulf Giants, and Vipers competed. And the Gulf Giants, led by Colin Munro, beat Vipers in the final on February 12 and they are the champion of the International League T20 2023.
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