T10 League 2018: Pakhtoons pick Shahid Afridi to lead the team

Shahid Afridi may have bid adieu to international cricket but the cricketer is still a hot name in franchise cricket circles. The former Pakistan captain is set to take the field in the T10 League scheduled to begin in the UAE from Wednesday and he has been picked as the captain for the Pakhtoons once again.

Afridi had a memorable outing in the inaugural edition of the T10 League – cricket’s latest and the shortest version – as he took the first hat-trick of the format in the very first match he played, against Maratha Arabians led by Virender Sehwag. He then led the side to the playoffs with an all-win record and there too, the Pakhtoons defeated Bengal Tigers to advance to the semi-finals. Afridi took on wicket for 2 runs and then belted 23 off 10 balls. The Pakthoons’ dream run, however, was ended by Punjabi Legends despite Afridi’s 17-ball 41 (five sixes).

Pakhtoons to play defenders Kerala Knights in 1st game

The Pakhtoon management felt Afridi is capable of resuming from where it ended last year and picked him again to lead the side this year. Pakhtoons will face holders Kerala Knights in their first game of the tournament in Sharjah on November 21. Afridi’s side is clubbed with Sindhis, Rajputs besides the Kings in Group A of the tournament. Pakthoons will play Rajputs on November 23 and Sindhis on November 24. It confirmed the news of selecting Afridi as the captain in a tweet on Wednesday.

The Pakhtoon Team management committee has selected Star All Rounder ‘Shahid Afridi’ once again Captain for T10 League season II. Colin Ingram will be the Vice Captain. Wishing best of luck to the whole team for the challenging games commencing tomorrow.#PakhtoonTeam | pic.twitter.com/uHRHZdlMgI

— Pakhtoon Team (@PakhtoonTeam) November 20, 2018

The Pakhtoons have South African Colin Ingram as their vice-captain this time while Afridi is also the icon player besides being the captain.

The second edition of the T10 League will be a 12-day affair and features six teams instead of four in the inaugural edition. The final of this edition will be played on December 2.

The 38-year-old Afridi has been performing with flying colours in the Pakistan Super League as well and will be representing the sixth team that will be playing in the fourth edition of the tournament beginning in February 2019.

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