ILT20 2024: Shaheen Afridi signs with Desert Vipers for three seasons

Dubai: The International League T20 (ILT20) franchise Desert Vipers have roped in ace Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi for the second edition of the cash-rich league.

Shaheen will become the first Pakistan player to play in the league when it takes place in January next year. He has joined on a three-year contract.

Shaheen Shah Afridi was at the top of the list of new players signed for the ILT20 Season 2 after demonstrating his mettle throughout the world with his blistering pace and spectacular swing.

“All-format Pakistan superstar Shaheen Shah Afridi spearheads the new players signings list for the DP World ILT20 Season 2,” said ILT20 in a statement.

“The fast bowler who has made a stunning impression around the world with his pacy left-arm deliveries (229 wickets in 161 T20s) will play for the inaugural season’s finalists Desert Vipers,” the statement added.

The event is scheduled to take place in January-February 2024, a window that is likely to conflict with the ninth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The complete list of new Season 2 signings will be made public in the coming days.

Shaheen Shah Afridi expressed joy upon being selected by the Desert Vipers, runners-up in the inaugural season, and hoped that the supporters would back his club in the upcoming competition.

“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 was quoted saying by ILT20.

Shaheen Afridi, who made his T20I debut in 2018, quickly established himself on the international stage. The biggest ICC yearly award for a cricketer, the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, was presented to him in 2021 for his outstanding accomplishments across all formats.

In his decorated and rising international career, Shaheen Afridi has thus far taken 239 wickets (105 Tests, 70 ODIs and 64 T20Is).

In recent years, Shaheen Shah Afridi has emerged as a lethal force with the new ball as the left-arm pacer has thus far taken 42 first-over wickets in the T20 format.