Published: May 19, 2017, 08:18 AM (IST)
Edited: May 19, 2017, 08:18 AM (IST)
Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi is to return for a third spell with Hampshire after signing to take part in this season’s English Twenty20 Blast, the south coast club announced Thursday. Nicknamed ‘Boom Boom’ for his aggressive big-hitting, the 37-year-old is also a highly effective leg-spinner in cricket’s shortest format, with his 97 wickets in 98 matches a Twenty20 international record. Afridi had previous stints with Hampshire in 2011 and 2016 and the club’s director of cricket Giles White said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Shahid back to the club for the coming T20 Blast campaign. He’s been an important part of our success in the short form of the game in previous seasons and we feel his talents fit well with the current squad.” READ: Shahid Afridi confident of Pakistan bowlers challenging Indian batsmen in ICC Champions Trophy 2017
In other news, Kevin Pietersen joined Surrey for Natwest T20 Blast. “I’m absolutely over the moon to be joining Surrey again. I’ve missed playing here at home and it’s going to be a special feeling walking out at The Oval again. We’ve got some seriously talented guys in our team and I’m very confident we can achieve something really special this season. I’ve had some great times at this club and ground over the years; it’s a special place with top people, and I’m looking forward to once again being part of it,” said Pietersen, who had been due to play in the CPL for St Lucia, on Tuesday, in a club statement.
Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart said on signing Pietersen, “Re-signing KP is a massive boost to the club and the NatWest T20 Blast competition. To have a player of his undoubted calibre available to us will add strength and experience to our squad and I’m sure all our fans will enjoy seeing him back playing in England again. His work ethic and appetite for success are infectious and our squad have always enjoyed having him around the dressing room and performing out in the middle.”
