Shaheen Afridi to Debut in BPL 2024 After Being Omitted from SA Tests

Shaheen Shah Afridi has committed to play in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024 for Fortune Barishal. The left-arm pacer participated in the 50-over matches and most recently appeared in the T20I series against South Africa. However, the speedster was not selected for the forthcoming Test series, and he also missed the previous two Test matches against England. Ace Shaheen Afridi, a pacer for Pakistan, will make his debut in the Bangladesh Premier League

Fortune Barishal and newcomers Durbar Rajshahi will play in the season-opening at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. It's important to note that Shaheen Afridi was signed directly and will be available for the competition's first five matches because the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) gave him a no-objection certificate that lasts until January 15.

Fortune Barishal signs Shaheen Afridi:

✍🏽 | SIGNING ALERT! Pakistan’s pace bowling magician is now a part of the Fortune Barishal. Shaheen Shah Afridi is set...

Posted by Fortune Barishal on Wednesday, December 18, 2024

In order to keep Shaheen fresh for the Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan the following year, the PCB had stated that he was not selected for the red-ball matches against the Proteas. A PCB press release stated, "Shaheen Shah Afridi, who also missed the last two Tests against England, has been picked for the white-ball matches as part of his workload management so that he is in his best fitness and form for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025."

In relation to Fortune Barishal, the team had performed admirably in the previous BPL season. After putting on outstanding efforts all season long, Barishal won the championship after finishing third in the group rounds. The team advanced to the BPL final after defeating Chattogram Challengers in the competition's eliminator and defeating Rangpur Riders in the second qualifier. In order to secure the title, Barishal also defeated Comilla Victorians in the tournament's summit match. 

The BPL is scheduled to occur between December 30 and February 7. On December 26, Pakistan will begin their Test series against South Africa.

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