Pakistan’s star pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, is set to make his debut in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The eleventh season of BPL will kick off on December 30 and conclude on February 7, 2025, featuring seven franchises: Dhaka Capitals, Chittagong Kings, Durbar Rajshahi, Fortune Barishal, Khulna Tigers, Rangpur Riders and Sylhet Strikers.
Maiden appearance in BPL for Shaheen Afridi
In a statement, the reigning champions Fortune Barishal confirmed Shaheen’s inclusion in their squad. “Pakistani left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will play for Fortune Barishal in the upcoming BPL,” announced the franchise. The 24-year-old will be available for the opening five games of the competition, with the Pakistan Cricket Board granting him a no-objection certificate until January 15.
The star-studded squad of Shaheen’s franchise
Fortune Barishal has assembled a formidable squad for the upcoming season. In addition to Shaheen, the team has secured several international stars through direct signings, including Kyle Mayers, Dawid Malan, Faheem Ashraf, Ali Mohammad, Jahandad Khan and Mohammad Nabi. From the players’ draft, they added James Fuller, Pathum Nissanka and Nandre Burger.
The team is further strengthened by a strong contingent of local talent, featuring seasoned campaigners such as Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad and Najmul Hossain Shanto. Emerging players like Towhid Hridoy, Ripon Mondol and Rishad Hossain are also part of the roster, alongside reliable bowlers like Tanvir Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Nayeem Hasan, and Taijul Islam.
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Shaheen Afridi’s T20 record
Shaheen Afridi’s inclusion adds firepower to Barishal’s bowling attack. The left-arm pacer boasts an impressive T20 record:
- Matches played: 200
- Wickets taken: 285
- Bowling average: 20.73
- Best bowling figures: 6/19
- Four-wicket hauls: 6
BPL 2025 opener
The opening match of the tournament will see Fortune Barishal face the league’s newest franchise, Durbar Rajshahi, at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. Fans eagerly await Shaheen’s BPL debut and are optimistic about his role in bolstering Barishal’s title defense.
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