Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi revealed that a phone call from Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal played a crucial role in persuading him to join the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024.
The 24-year-old is set to feature for defending champions Fortune Barishal in the seven-team franchise tournament, which kicks off on Monday.
"I’m always ready whenever Tamim bhai calls me," Shaheen said during a media interaction at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Saturday.
"Last year, I was busy with an international schedule and couldn’t manage time for the last two to three years. This time, I have. I hope I will play some good cricket," he added.
The left-arm pacer, who led Lahore Qalandars to two consecutive PSL titles in 2022 and 2023, has participated in several major leagues, including the ILT20, The Hundred, and T20 Blast. However, this marks his debut in the BPL.
"I’m excited to play in the league in Bangladesh. Since Tamim bhai called me to come and play, I’ve been excited. Now I’m looking forward to it," he expressed.
Although he has not played in Bangladesh’s domestic circuit, Shaheen is familiar with the passion the country has for cricket.
"I know the people of Bangladesh love cricket; they love their superstars. I hope I’ll play well," he added.
Despite being one of the big names in the 2024 BPL season, Shaheen remains grounded and does not consider himself a "superstar."
When asked about being regarded as the biggest superstar in the league, he humbly replied, "I’m no star, to be honest. There are many players from Bangladesh—like Tamim. All the national stars of this country are playing. I’m here only as a cricketer, and I’ll be trying to perform and win matches for my team."
Shaheen will also have a familiar face in the BPL, as his father-in-law, Shahid Afridi, has been appointed as a mentor for Chittagong Kings.
He recently played badminton with Shahid and expressed relief that he wouldn't face his in-law on the field.
"The good thing for me is that he isn’t playing," said Shaheen. "He will come as a mentor. I hope that the young cricketers from Bangladesh will be able to learn many things from him."
- Shaheen Afridi
- Tamim Iqbal
