Shaheen Afridi Withdraws from Hundred, Eyes Global T20

Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan's star fast bowler, has withdrawn from the Hundred tournament to potentially join Canada's Global T20 league. This move comes as a significant blow to the Hundred, which is set to clash directly with the Global T20 in 2024.

Afridi, who played for Welsh Fire in the Hundred last year, was retained on a £100,000 contract for the 2024 season. However, he has now pulled out, citing a desire to spend time with his family.

The ECB confirmed Afridi's withdrawal on Monday, expressing disappointment but understanding his decision. Afridi stated, "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."

According to ESPNcricinfo, Afridi's official explanation to the ECB was his reluctance to commit to spending four weeks away from his family. The Hundred runs from July 23 to August 18, requiring players to report a few days before their opening match.

Pakistan players are limited to two No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) per season for foreign leagues due to their central contracts with the PCB. Afridi has already committed to the Desert Vipers in the UAE's ILT20.

Instead of using his second NOC on the Hundred, Afridi is considering the Global T20, which is set to return for a fourth season in 2024. The league is expected to run from July 25 to August 11, a slightly shorter window than the Hundred.

The Global T20 has faced some challenges in the past, including reports of late or non-payment issues. FICA recommends that players request advanced payment before participating.

Matt Henry, the New Zealand seamer, has been confirmed as Afridi's replacement at Welsh Fire. He may miss the start of the tournament if his MLC franchise reaches the play-offs.

The ECB's decision to open the Hundred up to private investment is partly driven by the need to compete with salaries offered in other leagues. Four other Pakistan players are under contract in the men's Hundred for 2024: Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Imad Wasim, and Usama Mir.

Tags: #ShaheenAfridi, #Hundred, #GlobalT20, #PakistanCricket, #OverseasLeagues