Pakistan's pace sensation declines BPL offer for the U19 World Cup

Pakistan’s World Cup U19 team will be heavily reliant on their new pace sensation, 17-year-old Shaheen Afridi, who holds the record for the best First Class bowling figures on debut by a Pakistani bowler – 8/39. These figures are a proof that the country is ready to produce yet another legend with the surname Afridi.

It can be noted here that the two cricketers are not related to each other in any way. Recently, it has been revealed by the youngster that he was offered a contract by the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) but declined it for the sake of national duty and joined Pakistan U-19 squad for the World Cup in New Zealand.

Hopeful to play BPL next year 

“I got a contract for the BPL and for the T10 league too but I didn’t go because I was attending the camp for preparing for the Under 19 World Cup,” Afridi said, quoted ICC. “I was sad to not go but it’s my national duty. Next year hopefully I’m free and will be going,” he added.

Earlier, the teenager he said he gets his inspiration from the legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram. “I bowl like Wasim Akram,” he said. “When I was starting the game, I was watching Akram on video and taking tips. He’s a legend bowler for Pakistan.”

No India vs Pakistan match 

The U19 World Cup begins on January 13, with the first match to be played between Pakistan and Afghanistan. India play their first match of the tournament on January 14 against Australia. For the fans, unfortunately, there is no India vs Pakistan match in the group stages but depending on the results, we could see one game in the knockout stages.

Pakistan U19 Squad:

Muhammad Mohsin Khan, Muhammad Zaid Alam, Rohail Nazir, Mohammad Taha, Ali Zaryab , Saad Khan, Hasan Khan(c), Muhammad Musa, Shaheen Afridi, Munir Riaz, Suleman Shafqat, Ammad Alam, Arshad Iqbal, Imran Shah, Mohammad Ali Khan