Eight talented Pakistani players are set to showcase their skills in the highly anticipated T20 Blast tournament, which kicks off on Saturday, May 20, at Birmingham’s Edgbaston stadium. The 21st edition of the tournament, the first-ever T20 league when it debuted in 2003, promises exciting cricket over its nine-week duration.
Shaheen Afridi Leads the Way for Nottinghamshire Outlaws
Pakistani left-arm fast-bowler Shaheen Afridi will represent Nottinghamshire Outlaws in this year’s T20 Blast. The 22-year-old has already made waves in the cricketing world, leading the Lahore Qalandars to victory twice in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). In a memorable match against Middlesex, Afridi achieved a remarkable feat by taking four wickets in four consecutive deliveries while briefly representing Hampshire Hawks in 2020.
Shan Masood to Captain Yorkshire Vikings
Left-handed opening batter Shan Masood will take charge of Yorkshire Vikings in the tournament. After accumulating an impressive 547 runs last year, Masood emerged as the highest run-scorer and led the Falcons to the quarter-finals.
Hasan Ali Joins Birmingham Bears
Experienced Test cricketer Hasan Ali has signed with Warwickshire CCC for the season and will represent Birmingham Bears in the T20 Blast. Ali, a right-arm pacer, is expected to lead the pace attack alongside Chris Woakes. With notable contributions to teams like Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League, Ali was also awarded the Player of the Tournament title during the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017.
Shadab Khan Bolsters Sussex Sharks
All-rounder Shadab Khan has struck a deal with Sussex Sharks for the entirety of the Blast tournament. The Islamabad United captain in the PSL, Shadab played for Yorkshire in the T20 Blast last season. He has also captained Pakistan’s national team in a T20I series against Afghanistan earlier this year.
Young Guns Haider Ali, Zafar Gohar, Zaman Khan, and Usama Mir Ready to Shine
Derbyshire CCC has signed explosive batter Haider Ali, who will feature for Derbyshire Falcons in the T20 Blast tournament. The 22-year-old Haider Ali, with his experience in representing Pakistan and various franchises in the PSL, is expected to make a significant impact. Left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar will continue to represent Gloucestershire CCC, showcasing his all-round skills. Young pacers Zaman Khan and Usama Mir have been drafted in by Derbyshire Falcons and Worcestershire Rapids, respectively, adding to the exciting talent on display.
English Stars Temporarily Absent Due to IPL Commitments
While the T20 Blast promises exhilarating cricket, some top English players will miss the initial matches due to their ongoing commitments in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Notable absentees include England Test team captain Ben Stokes, ODI and T20 captain Jos Buttler, and newly-appointed captain of Birmingham Bears Moeen Ali. However, the tournament remains stacked with talent from both domestic and international players.
Exciting Format and Schedule for T20 Blast
The T20 Blast consists of 18 cricket county teams divided into two groups, North and South. Each team will play 14 matches, seven at home and seven away. The top four teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, followed by the semi-finals and final, which will all take place on July 15, known as Finals Day, at Edgbaston.
With the inclusion of these talented Pakistani players, the T20 Blast is sure to captivate cricket enthusiasts around the world, showcasing thrilling matches and outstanding performances.
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Zaman Khan gets a big deal in T20 Blast
