Shaheen Shah Afridi Opts Out of The Hundred to Explore Global T20 Opportunity
In a move that will have significant implications for the upcoming season of The Hundred, Pakistan’s star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has decided to withdraw from his contract with Welsh Fire. The dynamic all-rounder has instead entered into talks to join the Global T20 league in Canada, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.
Afridi, who was retained by Welsh Fire on a lucrative £100,000 deal for the 2024 season, impressed last year with six wickets in six appearances. However, the lure of the Global T20, which is set to clash directly with The Hundred’s schedule, has proven too tempting for the 24-year-old.
“I’m sad to miss out on playing for Welsh Fire this year,” Afridi stated. “I enjoyed the Hundred a lot last season, and I was excited about being back in Cardiff. I wish Mike [Hussey, Welsh Fire’s coach] and the team the best of luck for 2024.”
The ECB has confirmed Afridi’s withdrawal, with New Zealand seamer Matt Henry named as his replacement for the 100-ball cricket schedule. Henry’s availability may be impacted if his MLC franchise, San Francisco Unicorns, progress deep into the playoffs.
This move by Afridi is a significant blow to The Hundred’s standing, as the league seeks to compete with the growing number of high-profile T20 tournaments around the world. The Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) has cautioned players about potential payment issues with the Global T20 league in the past, but the lure of spending time with family appears to have outweighed these concerns for Afridi.
With four other Pakistani players – Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Imad Wasim, and Usama Mir – already contracted for the 2024 men’s Hundred, the ECB will be hoping to maintain the league’s global appeal and 100-ball cricket live viewership in the face of this latest high-profile withdrawal.
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