Hampshire: Hampshire Cricket on Wednesday announced that Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi will play for the club in this year's Vitality Blast.
"The 20-year-old seamer will represent Hampshire in this year's Vitality Blast," Hampshire Cricket said in a statement.
The pacer will be joining the squad from September 2 to October 4. He will be available for the last seven group matches plus the knock-out stages, if Hampshire qualify.
Hampshire Vitality Blast team. Afridi on Tuesday helped Pakistan to win the third T20I against England as he took two wickets while conceding 28 runs in four overs.
Pakistan secured a five-run win in the match and with this, the visitors managed to level the three-match series.
Afridi has also taken 35 wickets in 11 Tests for Pakistan, and 40 in 19 ODIs, with a best of 6-35 in last summer’s World Cup against Bangladesh at Lord’s.
He played in all three Tests against England this summer, taking five wickets at 51.60.
Afridi’s availability is a huge boost to Hampshire, who have been shorn of a host of star names for this summer’s fixture list.
Overseas trio Kyle Abbott, Fidel Edwards and Rilee Rossouw have been unable to play, while Australian spinner Nathan Lyon’s red-ball contract was torn up due to the pandemic.
In addition, Liam Dawson, Aneurin Donald and Keith Barker have all been injured at some point, while James Vince has yet to play due to England and family commitments.
Afridi will lead a Hampshire pace attack which also includes Chris Wood, James Fuller, Ryan Stevenson and Ian Holland.
