Six clubs participated in the inaugural International League T20 (ILT20) season, which took place in the UAE in January and February 2023. In the end, Gulf Giants triumphed against Desert Vipers to claim the title of champions. There were no Pakistani players in action during the previous season, but that is expected to change in the forthcoming one as some of the greatest from the Asian country will be competing. Shaheen Afridi, a Pakistani swing star, has signed a three-year contract with the league and the Desert Vipers, it was announced on Monday, August 14.
The left-arm seamer can destroy the opposition by himself when in the right frame of mind, thus this is a significant loss for the Vipers. The young player has taken 229 wickets in 162 T20 outings, with an average of 20.65 and a strike rate of 15.80. Additionally, he bowls the challenging overs and has an exceptional economy rate of just 7.82.
Shaheen’s batting has also gotten better recently, which was noticeable during this year’s Pakistan Super League when he produced an astounding 44* in just 15 balls in the championship game to assist Lahore Qalandars win the championship. He generated 132 runs in eight innings with a strike rate of 167.09. Shaheen’s versatility will therefore be a significant asset for the Vipers.
We are overjoyed to have a well-known player like Shaheen Afridi on board: Tom Moody
Shaheen was commended by Tom Moody, the director of cricket for the Desert Vipers, who also described what the gifted youngster may provide.
Shaheen is a player of the highest caliber who has made a huge contribution not only for Pakistan but for every side he has recently played for, according to Moody, who was quoted by the National News Cricket.
“He offers a great deal as an impact pace bowler who has obliterated numerous top orders. He also possesses tremendous leadership skills that will be of great use to the Desert Vipers going forward. We are happy to have signed such a well-known cricketer who is also highly appreciated worldwide,” he continued.