By Zainab Shafiq 
Shahid Afridi, the former flamboyant all-rounder, has expressed his optimism for the establishment of a franchise cricket league in Balochistan. During the signing ceremony of Benazirabad Lals, one of the franchises of the Sindh Premier League (SPL), Afridi addressed the media and emphasized the need for a high-quality cricket league in Balochistan in the near future. As the ambassador of the SPL, Afridi believes that just like Sindh, Balochistan deserves a cricket league that can provide a wonderful opportunity for the talented youngsters from the province.
Drawing from his own experiences as a power-hitting cricketer, Afridi advised the management of the SPL to extend the league’s duration throughout the year. He proposed the implementation of a comprehensive talent hunt program to identify raw cricketing talents and the establishment of a cricket academy to nurture and develop these young players.
In addition to his aspirations for the league in Balochistan, Afridi expressed his hope to witness more cricketers from Sindh representing Pakistan in the near future. As a cricketer-turned-philanthropist, Afridi remains committed to the growth and development of the sport in the region.
Fans can look forward to witnessing Afridi’s dynamic gameplay during the upcoming SPL, scheduled to commence on September 19 in Karachi. He will be representing the Benazirabad Lals franchise, alongside other notable players such as veteran cricketer Shoaib Malik, who will captain the Hyderabad Bahadurs, and former Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who will serve as the head coach.
The popularity of the SPL is evident, with three out of the six franchises already sold out. This enthusiastic response highlights the excitement and anticipation surrounding the tournament, emphasizing the potential for the league to become a significant platform for cricketing talent in the region.