ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan captain and flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi is set to play for Kathmandu Kings XI (KKXI) in the Everest Premier League (EPL) scheduled to be held from Sept 25 to Oct 9 this year, at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Kathmandu.

Afridi, 44, who was an aggressive batsman and skillful leg-spinner with plenty of international experience, played for Pakistan and international franchises in different T20 leagues. He played 27 Tests, 398 ODIs and 99 Twenty20 Internationals.

“Afridi is an iconic superstar in the world of sport, a lot of current cricket stars idolise him to play cricket. Nepalese fans also adore him as a legendary cricketer, we understand this sentiment and we are proud and honoured to announce world-renowned cricketer Shahid Afridi will be playing for Kathmandu King XI,” cricnepal.com quoted Rohit Gupta, team owner of KKXI as saying.

Afridi also brings experience of playing across the globe including Indian Premier League, Pakistan Super League, Big Bash, Caribbean Premier League and Bangladesh Premier League to name a few.

“KKXI, one of the six franchises participating in the tournament, unveiled Afridi on Monday as their big signing for the season. Many congratulations to Kathmandu Kings XI for securing a renowned player like Afridi to play for Kings XI,” said Aamir Akhtar, CEO of the Everest Premier League.

Earlier, Kathmandu Kings XI also roped in Nepali leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane to play for this year’s EPL.

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2021