Shahid Afridi reveals the motive behind playing LPL 2020

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi is leading the franchise Galle Gladiators in the ongoing inaugural edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL). Speaking about his participation in Sri Lanka’s domestic league, Afridi revealed that his motive is to groom the young players and contribute towards the game of cricket in whatever way he can.

The veteran all-rounder also expressed his gratitude to the Sri Lanka government for hosting the marquee event and is confident that LPL will gain a lot of success in the future. Afridi believes that the Lanka Premier League will help in the growth of the game of cricket in the nation and will also provide an opportunity to the local players to run shoulders with greats of the game and improve their skills.

“It’s a new league and from the Sri Lankan point of view, a very important tournament for the growth of the game in the island nation. In tournaments like these, we have to make sure to help some of the young players grow. There are some good local talents also and I want to contribute in whatever way I can. It is always fulfilling to give back something to the game,” Shahid Afridi told as quoted by The Kashmir Monitor.

Shahid Afridi congratulates the authorities for the successful implementation of LPL 2020

Even before the commencement of the league, a lot of international stars including Chris Gayle, Liam Plunkett, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Lasith Malinga had pulled out their names from LPL 2020. When asked about the same, Afridi refused to comment but stated that it is refreshing to see people adhering to new normal and following all the protocols.

“I won’t like to comment on the pull-outs, but it is indeed important to make a start. The game of cricket was stopped for a while following the pandemic outbreak. However, we have seen that people are adapting to the new normal and have successfully organized sporting events with all the necessary precautions in place.”

“Hats off to the Sri Lankan government, the Sri Lankan Cricket [SLC] board, and the Innovative Production Group [IPG] for putting this event in place. I am sure it was difficult, but that was the right thing to do for the fans, the game, and for the people of Sri Lanka,” Afridi added.