Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has signed with Fortune Barishal for the 2024-25 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), marking his debut in the tournament’s 11th edition.
The BPL 2024-25 is set to begin on December 30, with defending champions Fortune Barishal taking on the league’s newest franchise, Durbar Rajshahi, in the opening match at Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
“Pakistani left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will play for Fortune Barishal in the upcoming BPL,” the franchise confirmed in an official statement.
Shaheen has been granted a no-objection certificate (NOC) by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and is expected to feature in the first five matches, with his availability lasting until January 15.
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Fortune Barishal boasts a strong lineup of international stars, including James Fuller, Pathum Nissanka, Nandre Burger, Kyle Mayers, Dawid Malan, Mohammad Nabi, and Faheem Ashraf. Emerging talents like Ali Mohammad and Jahandad Khan further strengthen the squad.
The team also features experienced Bangladeshi players, including Tamim Iqbal, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Rishad Hossain, and Taijul Islam, making Barishal a formidable contender for the title.
