pakistani star pakar, Shaheen Shah Afridiis scheduled to make its debut in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The 11th season of the BPL will begin on December 30 and end on February 7, 2025, and features seven clubs: Dhaka Capitals, Chittagong Kings, Durbar Rajshahi, Fortune Barishal, Kulna Tigers, Rangpur Riders and Sylhet Strikers.
BPL debut for Shaheen Afridi
Defending champion Fortune Barishal confirmed in a statement the inclusion of Shaheen in his squad. “Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will play for Fortune Barishal in the upcoming IPL,” Announce the franchise. The 24-year-old will be available for the opening five matches of the competition, with the Pakistan Cricket Board granting him a no-objection certificate until January 15.
Shaheen's star-studded team
Fortune Barishal has assembled a formidable squad for the upcoming season. In addition to Shaheen, the team included several international stars through direct signings, including Kyle Mayers, Dawid Malan, Faheem Ashraf, Ali Mohamed, Jehandad Khan and Mohamed Nabi. From the draft they added players James Fuller, Pathum Nissanka and Nandri Berger.
The team is also bolstered by a strong pool of home-grown talent, which includes seasoned campaigners such as Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riaz and Najam Hussain Shanto. Emerging players like Touhid Hridoy, Ripun Mondol and Rishad Hossain are also part of the list, along with reliable bowlers like Tanveer Islam, Ebadat Hossain, Naeem Hassan and Taijul Islam.
Also Read: South Africa names Keshav Maharaj's replacement for the remaining ODI series against Pakistan
Shaheen Afridi scored T20
The inclusion of Shaheen Afridi adds firepower to Barishal's bowling attack. The left-arm pacer has an impressive T20 record:
- Matches played: 200
- Wickets taken: 285
- Average Bowling: 20.73
- Best Bowling Personalities: 6/19
- Four-wicket transfers: 6
BPL Opener 2025
The opening match of the tournament will see Fortune Barisal take on the league's newest team, Durbar Rajshahi, at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. Fans are eagerly awaiting Shaheen's BPL debut and are optimistic about his role in strengthening Barishal's title defence.
