KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi is set to play for Kathmandu Kings XI (KKXI) in the Everest Premier League (EPL), a T20 franchise tournament in Nepal.
The event is scheduled to be held from Sept 25 to Oct 9 this year at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kathmandu. The team named the all-rounder as their iconic international star for the tournament on Monday.
“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.
Afridi played for Pakistan and international franchises in different T20 leagues. He played 27 Tests, 398 ODIs and 99 Twenty20 Internationals. He also brings the experience of playing across the globe including the Indian Premier League, Pakistan Super League, Big Bash, Caribbean Premier League, and Bangladesh Premier League.
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DO WE NEED TO SAY MORE. @SAfridiOfficial #eplt20#boomboomafridi #Afridi @KathmanduKings #daretodream pic.twitter.com/IbYMjar7lD— EPL – Everest Premier League (@eplt20official) July 26, 2021
“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,” team owner Rohit Gupta said.
“This will be my first visit to Kathmandu,” Afridi said in an online video conference. “I am very excited and looking forward to visiting.” When asked how many sixes he was going to hit. Afridi jokingly said, “That depends on the bowling on the day, but I will try my level best to entertain the people of Nepal.”
Earlier, Kathmandu Kings XI also roped in Nepali leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane to play for this year’s EPL. Last year the tournament was called off due to the coronavirus situation.
