Desert Vipers have secured the signing of cricket sensation Shaheen Shah Afridi for the upcoming DP World ILT20 Season 2. With an impressive record of 229 wickets in the T20 format, Shaheen remains highly sought after on the global stage.
Following the remarkable success of DP World ILT20 Season 1, which garnered a staggering 367 million views worldwide and established itself as the second most-watched cricket league in India, preparations are in full swing for the highly anticipated Season 2.
On August 14, 2023, it was announced that Shaheen Shah Afridi, a versatile cricket star from Pakistan, will lead the list of new player signings for DP World ILT20 Season 2. Known for his rapid left-arm deliveries and a remarkable tally of 229 wickets in 161 T20 matches, Shaheen will be a key player for the Desert Vipers, who were finalists in the inaugural season. The complete roster of new signings for Season 2 will be revealed in the coming days, with the tournament scheduled to take place in January-February 2024.
Since making his T20I debut in 2018, Shaheen has shown remarkable progress across various formats. He earned the prestigious ICC Player of the Year award last year, including The Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, the ICC’s top annual honor for a cricketer. With a total of 239 international wickets (105 in Tests, 70 in ODIs, and 64 in T20Is), Shaheen has consistently impressed.
Notably, Shaheen has a knack for taking early wickets in his bowling spells, boasting an impressive 42 first-over wickets in the T20 format. In his words, “I am thrilled to become a part of the Desert Vipers. Recognizing the large number of Pakistani cricket fans in the UAE, I am hopeful they will rally behind our team in the upcoming DP World ILT20.”
Shaheen’s addition further elevates the caliber of T20 stars in the DP World ILT20. The league’s six franchises have successfully retained renowned names in the global T20 scene, including last year’s top run-scorer Alex Hales (Green Belt winner) and leading wicket-taker Chris Jordan (White Belt winner).
The upcoming DP World ILT20 Season 2, set to be held in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, will feature a stellar lineup of T20 giants such as Andre Russell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Sikandar Raza, Chris Lynn, Kieron Pollard, and Chris Woakes. More prominent names are expected to be unveiled in the near future.
