'Not young enough anymore' - Shahid Afridi launches Mega Star League for older players

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has announced the launch of the Mega Star League (MSL), a new league that will include ex-international cricketers from the country and also from other nations. Afridi, 42 now, last played in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022 edition this year and he had already stated that it would be his final participation in PSL as well. The legendary all-rounder has been a great servant to the nation having played 27 Tests, 398 ODIs and 99 T20Is for Pakistan.

He was deemed as a T20 giant, especially with his ability to hit sixes straightaway after coming into the wicket alongside bowling economical spells. He is a brilliant fielder and has led Pakistan to numerous wins across formats. The MSL will include former greats of the game like Mushtaq Ahmed, Inzamam Ul Haq and Waqar Younis which will attract a lot of fans wide around the world.

The core idea behind introducing this league is to provide financial support: Shahid Afridi

Afridi mentioned that the tournament was launched to ensure that the ex-cricketers, athletes and journalists get supported financially and noted that it will take place in September this year in Rawalpindi. He also revealed some big names that will be taking part in the tournament and felt that the PSL is suitable for youngsters. He added that the tournament will feature six teams which will include foreigners in the setup as well.

“Mega Star League is an entertaining league, which is scheduled to be played in September in Rawalpindi this year. The core idea behind introducing this league is to financially support the ex-cricketers, athletes, and sports journalists,” Afridi told in the press conference as quoted by Cricketpakistan.

“The MSL will feature six teams, and foreign players will also take part in the upcoming league. PSL is for youngsters and I am not young enough anymore. I, Mushtaq Ahmed, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis will play in MSL,” he added.