Ripley delight as Pakistan star Shahid Afridi signs on for Steelbacks’ T20 campaign

Northants coach David Ripley has spoken of his delight at the signing of Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi for the start of the 2015 NatWest T20 Blast competition.
COMING TO NORTHANTS - Shahid AfridiCOMING TO NORTHANTS - Shahid Afridi
COMING TO NORTHANTS - Shahid Afridi

The club today announced the Afridi will be available for the six T20 fixtures of the summer, although the deal is still subject to clearance from the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Afridi’s capture is a coup for the Steelbacks, and Ripley told northantscricket.com: “This is a very exciting signing for us.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Shahid is without doubt the most outstanding spin bowling all-rounder in one day international cricket of the last five years.

“He is a fierce competitor and undoubted match winner with bat and ball.”

The 34-year-old will join up with the Northants squad on May 15, and Ripley added: “Afridi brings a wealth of experience to the dressing room with more than 230 Twenty20 games as well as captaining his country.”

Afridi said: “I am looking forward to playing in the NatWest T20 Blast.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I have always enjoyed playing in England, where I have always found the crowds good natured and knowledgeable.

“I am very happy to be joining a good Northants squad in the search for Twenty20 success.”

Afridi has featured for Pakistan in 77 T20 internationals, taking 81 wickets at an average of 22.4.

He has a batting average of 23.49 and a strike-rate of 116.29 in ODIs, and has also taken 391 wickets at 33.89 at an economy-rate of 4.62.