PSL: Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi joins Karachi Kings

Pakistan Super League franchise Karachi Kings announced that all-rounder Shahid Afridi has officially joined the team for the next season of the PSL.

Afridi, who was earlier part of the Peshawar Zalmi setup for the T20 tournament, declared that he shall now move to another team. Peshawar Zalmi recently won the PSL, and Afridi made his announcement shortly after his team’s emphatic victory against the Quetta Gladiators.

The former Pakistan captain had tweeted, “Won the cup with 1 team, time for another. I am announcing my end of service as president & player of Peshawar Zalmi Team due to my personal reasons.”

Afridi, who had led the Zalmi in the first edition of the PSL, stepped down from captaincy after he was named the president of the franchise. West Indies all-rounder Darren Sammy then took over the reins for Peshawar and led them to their first PSL title.

“My best wishes with Peshawar Zalmi and as far as my Peshawar fans are concerned I know they are with me wherever I go,” Afridi added, after winning the 2017 edition of the tournament.

Shahid Afridi’s announcement came as a shock to some of his teammates. Skipper Darren Sammy himself expressed his surprise as he was completely unaware of the big all-rounder’s decision.

On the other hand, franchise owner Javed Afridi took to twitter to share his views about the matter. “I’m completely unaware of what happened,” he said.

To the sheer joy of Pakistan fans, Lahore hosted the final of the PSL amidst tight security. The Peshawar Zalmi were put into bat and were able to score a decent 148. Kamran Akmal was the pick of the batsman with his 32-ball 40. Captain Darren Sammy added a few valuable runs down the order with 3 big sixes.

However, the Quetta Gladiators collapsed on the night of the big final. The game ended in the 17th over with the Gladiators being bundled out for 90. Peshawar Zalmi had clinched their first ever title in what turned out to be a rather one-sided final.

Afridi will now look to offer his big-hitting power to the Karachi Kings and also deliver with his clever leg-spinners.