Shaheen Afridi refuses huge deals in T20 leagues to focus on International captaincy

Shaheen Afridi seems to be too focused on his newly assigned role by Pakistan Cricket. The left-arm pacer is set to concentrate on his T20I captaincy ahead of the big assignment in the T20 World Cup 2024, which will be happening in June next year. To keep himself fresh for the big tournament, and to focus on the same as a captain, Shaheen has decided to not take part in some of the big T20 leagues.

Shaheen was a part of the Big Bash League in Australia and the International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE. In both the leagues, Shaheen was offered a huge sum. The star pacer has been one of the best pacers in the shorter formats. Despite the demand, the added responsibilities have led to the crucial decision from the new T20I captain of Pakistan.

Reports suggest that Afridi has refused to extend his contract with Desert Vipers in ILT20. With Vipers, Shaheen played 3 consecutive seasons. For the upcoming season, Shaheen will not be taking part in the event. Even in the BBL, Afridi will not be playing. It is a huge decision to make, considering how high-paying he was in those leagues.

Hectic schedule ahead of Shaheen Afridi

The star pacer has been selected as the skipper of the Pakistani T20I side. The first assignment for him would be the five-match T20I series in New Zealand. Before his first series as a T20I captain, Shaheen would be leading Pakistan’s attack in the Test series in Australia. The big series will have three Tests, all of them being a part of the World Test Championship cycle 2023-25.

After the conclusion of the tour of New Zealand, Shaheen will be taking part in the PSL, where he is the captain of Lahore Qalandars. After Pakistan’s T20 league, Shaheen will be taking part in the T20I series against England and Ireland. Right after it, the campaign of Pakistan will start in the T20 World Cup 2023. Considering the hectic schedule, Shaheen decided to not take part in some of the leagues.