Shaheen Shah Afridi strikes a deal with Middlesex for 2022 season

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will play for Middlesex in England’s upcoming domestic season in 2022 and the news was confirmed on Wednesday, October 5. The left-arm pacer will play first-class as well as white-ball cricket for the club before he joins the Pakistan team for their series in mid-July.

In his short career so far, the young pacer has given quite a few noteworthy performances in all three formats for Pakistan. His six-wicket haul against Bangladesh in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 was one of the finest spells of fast bowling during the showpiece event.

During the recent Test series against West Indies, Shaheen yet again proved to be the difference as he ended up picking 18 wickets in just two Tests at an average of 11.27. The speedster has so far played 19 Tests, 28 ODIs, and 30 T20Is since making his debut in 2018.

Middlesex chief executive Andrew Cornish said that the team is thrilled to have Shaheen on board. “We are absolutely delighted to have secured the services of one of international cricket’s most exciting talents,” said Cornish, according to Cricbuzz. “Shaheen is a world-class pace bowler, and we are thrilled that he will be representing us in 2022,” he added.

Middlesex is one of the most iconic and revered counties in the England circuit. Over the past few years, they have managed to rope in overseas players like Abdul Razzaq, Ajit Agarkar, and Ashton Agar.  Shaheen was delighted to have signed the deal and is excited to play at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Shaheen Shah Afridi ecstatic to play at Lord’s

“I am very excited to be playing for Middlesex next season,” he said. “I know from my time in England they are a great county and to play at the home of cricket really will be a dream come true.”

After completing the National T20 Cup, Shaheen will next be seen in action for Pakistan in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021, which is set to begin on October 17. The seamer is one of the vital members of the team in the fast bowling department. The 21-year-old will look to continue his impressive performance and help his team win a few games during the global event.