Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is reportedly considering a move to Canada’s Global T20 league, opting out of the Hundred to prioritize family time. This decision comes as a setback for the Hundred, as the leagues are scheduled to overlap in 2024. His absence could impact the Hundred’s reputation and competitiveness. His potential shift to the Global T20 league highlights his focus on exploring new opportunities and balancing his professional commitments with personal priorities.
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Journey with The Hundred:
Having made his debut in the Hundred last year, Shaheen Shah Afridi showcased his talent by claiming six wickets in six matches for Welsh Fire. Despite being retained for the 2024 season with a lucrative £100,000 contract, Afridi has opted to step back from the agreement. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) officially acknowledged his decision to withdraw from the league, leaving fans and stakeholders curious about his future cricketing endeavors.
Shaheen Shah Afridi said, “I’m sad to miss out on playing for Welsh Fire this year. I enjoyed the Hundred a lot last season, and I was excited about being back in Cardiff. I wish Mike [Hussey, Welsh Fire’s coach] and the team the best of luck for 2024.”
Matt Henry, the New Zealand fast bowler, has been announced as Afridi’s replacement for the Welsh Fire in the Hundred. If the San Francisco Unicorns, his MLC team, make it to the play-offs, he might miss the beginning of the tournament. This situation affects about half of the international players signed up for the Hundred, as they are in similar circumstances with their commitments to MLC teams.
The upcoming edition of The Hundred is scheduled to kick off on July 23 and conclude on August 18. Players are required to join their respective teams a few days before their first match. This condensed format of cricket promises an action-packed tournament within a tight timeframe, offering fans an exciting and fast-paced cricketing experience throughout the competition.
Pakistan NOC permission to Players:
Under the regulations outlined in their central contracts with the PCB, Pakistani cricketers are limited to obtaining two No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) annually for participation in overseas leagues.
Shaheen Shah Afridi has already committed to a substantial contract with the Desert Vipers, owned by Avram Glazer, in the UAE’s ILT20 competition. This agreement restricts his availability for additional foreign league opportunities due to the NOC limitations. Shaheen Shah Afridi is contemplating utilizing his second No-Objection Certificate (NOC) not for The Hundred but for potential participation in the Global T20 league held in Canada.
Four additional Pakistani cricketers have secured contracts for the men’s Hundred in 2024: Naseem Shah with Birmingham Phoenix, Haris Rauf with Welsh Fire, Imad Wasim with Trent Rockets, and Usama Mir with Manchester Originals.
The Fourth Season of Global T20 League:
The privately-operated Canadian league is gearing up for its fourth season in 2024, with anticipated dates spanning from July 25 to August 11. This timeframe slightly differs from The Hundred, offering Afridi an alternative cricketing platform to showcase his skills.
The Global T20 took place in 2018 and 2019 but was postponed indefinitely due to the Covid pandemic. It made an unexpected comeback in 2023, drawing notable international players like Andre Russell, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shakib Al Hasan. This revival coincided with the launch of the inaugural Major League Cricket (MLC).
The Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) has reported instances of delayed or missed payments in the Global T20 over the past two years. Consequently, FICA advises players on its league hub to “request advance payment” before participating. One reason behind the ECB’s decision to invite private investment into the Hundred is their aim to offer competitive salaries comparable to those in other leagues.
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