PakPassion.net sought to understand the reason for Shahid Afridi’s non participation in the Big Bash League. Sources close to Shahid Afridi stated to PakPassion.net that his withdrawal from the Big Bash league is based upon 2 main factors.

By Amir Husain (20th November 2012)

Given the limited opportunities available to Pakistani cricketers to take part in high profile leagues at home or on foreign soil, competitions such as the Australian Big Bash League (BBL) represent an ideal platform for players to enhance their international reputations and also to improve their financial standings.

It thus came as a surprise to many when the Pakistan Cricket Board made a complete U Turn on its original non objection for some of its key players to take part in the Australian equivalent of the largely successful IPL. The PCB told the players to appear in the domestic Twenty20 event that is scheduled to start from December 2, with the aim of helping the selectors gauge form and fitness ahead of naming squads for the tour of India.

The stated position took another dramatic change again as PCB have now allowed “limited” participation for centrally contracted players such as Shahid Afridi, Saeed Ajmal and Umar Akmal.

Amidst news that the PCB may be considering financial compensation for any losses incurred by the players, it has been confirmed that Saeed Ajmal has been able to retain his contract with Adelaide Strikers. However, 22 year old Umar Akmal has not been so fortunate as Sydney Sixers have decided to cancel his contract due to his limited availability. Shahid Afridi, on the other hand, has now decided to withdraw from the event of his own accord.

Whilst the angst of Umar Akmal over the cancellation of his contract is understandable, PakPassion.net sought to understand the reason for Shahid Afridi’s non participation in the Big Bash League.

Sources close to Shahid Afridi stated to PakPassion.net that his withdrawal from the Big Bash league is based upon 2 main factors

The source stated “The main reason for Shahid’s non appearance in the BBL is two fold, first and foremost is his desire to play in the domestic T20 tournament in Pakistan and secondly the PCB have only allowed players to stay in Australia until the 12th December then they will be required to attend a training camp for the upcoming India series.”

The star studded Sydney Thunder BBL team which features the likes of Chris Gayle, Matt Prior, Michael Clarke, Martin Guptill and Dirk Nannes would have been the team to watch with Afridi in its ranks but according to the source, the limited time available to Afridi would have unfairly taken up an overseas slot for the team. 

“Shahid was due to play 3 games for Sydney and then return after the India series, so he would have been a vital member of their squad. However with the PCB ruling, we felt it was unfair on the club for Shahid to take up the overseas player slot only for 1 game. " 

The source further added that they had spoken with John Dyson at Sydney Thunder and it was agreed in the best interests of the club that they could find a replacement for Shahid in the squad whilst still leaving the door open for a return next season.”

Shahid Afridi's next possible international assignment is the tour of India which commences which consists of 2 T20Is and 3 ODIS, starting 25th December and ending January 6th.

Discuss!