Shahid Afridi signs for Steelbacks

Shahid Afridi. Image: Cricket52.
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Northants Cricket have announced the signing of Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi for this season's NatWest T20 Blast campaign.

The 34-year old will join up with the Steelbacks on 15th May, and will be available for the first six fixtures in this year's competition, subject to clearance from the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Afridi will bring "a wealth of experience" to Wantage Road according to Northants Head Coach David Ripley, he said: “This is a very exciting signing for us.

“Shahid is without doubt the most outstanding spin bowling all-rounder in one day international cricket of the last 5 years.

"He is a fierce competitor and undoubted match winner with bat and ball.

“Afridi brings a wealth of experience to the dressing room with over 230 Twenty20 games as well as captaining his Country."

Afridi has featured for Pakistan in 77 T20 internationals, taking 81 wickets at an average of 22.4, whilst his batting average sits at under 20. 

The Pakistani legend featured in English domestic cricket four years ago with Hampshire, but has also represented Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Kent.

Shahid Afridi spoke with Northantscricket.com and said: “I am looking forward to playing in the NatWest T20 Blast. I have always enjoyed playing in England, where I have always found the crowds good natured and knowledgeable.

“I am very happy to be joining a good Northants squad in the search for Twenty20 success."

By Stephen Matthews