Pakistan star speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi has requested Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to not consider him for the upcoming Test assignment against South Africa so that he can play his maiden season in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) which is scheduled to start from December 30.
Shaheen Afridi will feature for defending champions Fortune Barishal in the 11th edition of the BPL. The opener clash of the tournament will be played between Fortune Barishal and Durbar Rajshahi at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
"Pakistani left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will play for Fortune Barishal in the upcoming BPL," the franchise said in a statement.
As per cricbuzz, The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) granted Shaheen Afridi a no-objection certificate till January 15.
“He assured the management and board the money was very good and he would look after his fitness and workload during the event so he should be permitted to play in the league," the source said as quoted by PTI.
“Shaheen said he would be fully fit in time for the tri-series ODIs against New Zealand and South Africa followed by the Champions Trophy at home," the source said.
“Shaheen told Aaqib he can be selected for tests once the Champions Trophy is completed," he added.
Pakistan are scheduled to play four Test matches in this World Test Championship cycle. The first red-ball assignment is against South Africa where Shan Masood-led side will play two Test matches from January 27 to December 7. After that the Men in Green will play two Test matches against West Indies scheduled to start from January 17 to 19 next year. This will be Pakistan's last Test assignment in the ongoing WTC cycle.