Hampshire re-sign Shahid Afridi for the 2017 NatWest T20 Blast

[Abdullah719]

Hampshire Cricket are delighted to announce the signing of Shahid Afridi for the 2017 NatWest T20 Blast competition.

The leg-spinner will join up with his Hampshire teammates ahead of the start of the side’s T20 Blast campaign and will be available for the entire tournament.

Afridi became a fans’ favourite in his first spell at Hampshire in 2011 and the 37-year-old returned to the club in 2016, featuring in 12 fixtures during last season’s campaign.

His 28 wickets with the ball across both stints came at an excellent average of 18.32, whilst the right-hander has also proved to be a key contributor with the bat during that time, highlighted by his stunning 80 from just 42 balls in the 2011 semi-final against Somerset at Edgbaston.

Afridi also proved his value with the bat most recently in the 2017 Pakistan Super League, in which he struck 177 runs in just eight innings, including a destructive knock of 54 from just 28 balls against Karachi Kings.

Hampshire Director of Cricket, Giles White said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Shahid back to the club for the coming T20 Blast campaign. He’s been an important part of our success in the short form of the game in previous seasons and we feel his talents fit well with the current squad.”

The big-hitting all-rounder is hugely experienced, having played in all of the major T20 competitions across the world and he currently holds the record for the most wickets in T20 Internationals, having taken 92 scalps in as many matches for Pakistan.

[Rayyman]

Looks like England will get even more advice on power hitting.

[HitWicket]

As a Hampshire fan like last year I'll take it but a bit underwhelmed that we've signed him again to be honest. Already got more than enough depth (and 'foreign players') in nearly all departments except wicket keeping in the t20 team and all this will do is guarantee that neither of our talented young spinners coming through have any chance of getting in the XI.

[Syed1]

His batting form in the PSL might have had something to do with the resigning. Lala often looked like a one-man army in the PSL, specially that impossible chase that he nearly pulled off against KK.

[gazza619]

As a Hampshire fan like last year I'll take it but a bit underwhelmed that we've signed him again to be honest. Already got more than enough depth (and 'foreign players') in nearly all departments except wicket keeping in the t20 team and all this will do is guarantee that neither of our talented young spinners coming through have any chance of getting in the XI.

I understand where you are coming from, but T20 is not the best platform to find a world class spinner. English cricket season is jam packed with so many competitions, if all those games which probably comprise of thousands of overs are not good enough to find a world class spinner then I am sorry there is just no quality spinning talent in England. Its just like how the subcontinent teams hardly ever find a quality swing bowler. Afridi playing 12 games a season is not blocking your spin talent I am afraid. On the contrary Afridi's presence will help the local spinners just playing with him in the nets and watching him go about his business.

[HitWicket]

I understand where you are coming from, but T20 is not the best platform to find a world class spinner. English cricket season is jam packed with so many competitions, if all those games which probably comprise of thousands of overs are not good enough to find a world class spinner then I am sorry there is just no quality spinning talent in England. Its just like how the subcontinent teams hardly ever find a quality swing bowler. Afridi playing 12 games a season is not blocking your spin talent I am afraid. On the contrary Afridi's presence will help the local spinners just playing with him in the nets and watching him go about his business.

T20 may not be the best place to find a world class spinner, but it still gives us a place to expose young talent and get them some game time. At the club we've already got Mason Crane who's being tipped as England's next big thing in the spin department, but there's also Brad Taylor who I also rate as a young spin talent (and can hold the bat a bit) who's gone under the radar in Cranes shadow. Taylor got a few chances in the t20 team towards the end of last season and put in some respectable performances, but like I said this basically shuts him out of the t20 side for good this season and he's already shut out of the FC and one day side due to Crane and Dawson. In the end I imagine he'll now quite possibly be looking for somewhere else to play his cricket in the near future with signings such as this which is sad.

[gazza619]

T20 may not be the best place to find a world class spinner, but it still gives us a place to expose young talent and get them some game time. At the club we've already got Mason Crane who's being tipped as England's next big thing in the spin department, but there's also Brad Taylor who I also rate as a young spin talent (and can hold the bat a bit) who's gone under the radar in Cranes shadow. Taylor got a few chances in the t20 team towards the end of last season and put in some respectable performances, but like I said this basically shuts him out of the t20 side for good this season and he's already shut out of the FC and one day side due to Crane and Dawson. In the end I imagine he'll now quite possibly be looking for somewhere else to play his cricket in the near future with signings such as this which is sad.

I see, if thats the case then Hampshire probably have far too many spin options, which may be great for Hampshire but may not be good for England. The best thing would be to let go a spinner..Afridi's role would be of an alrounder anyways..and i am sure if any one of Crane, Dawson or Taylor are good enough, they can take up the role of the specialist spinner. Nowadays T20 XI easily have at least 2 (sometimes 3) spinners..

[pakistani pride]

LOL in the article they mention also 2011?!?!

What are his stats for last year?
His bowling is very ordinary.

[HitWicket]

I see, if thats the case then Hampshire probably have far too many spin options, which may be great for Hampshire but may not be good for England. The best thing would be to let go a spinner..Afridi's role would be of an alrounder anyways..and i am sure if any one of Crane, Dawson or Taylor are good enough, they can take up the role of the specialist spinner. Nowadays T20 XI easily have at least 2 (sometimes 3) spinners..

Dawsons a bit older than Crane and Taylor at 27 but also good enough to be next in line for the England limited overs spinners spot after Moeen and Rashid. Also more than capable of batting top 6 for Hampshire. With the squad composition they'll probably go in with a 5 man attack including Dawson and Afridi with Afridi on the team sheet to bat at 7 with possible promotions if needed.

Nothing against Afridi personally, just think we'd have been better off not signing another overseas this player this season and letting someone else sign him up who don't quite have the same spin reserves available.

[Arham_PakFan]

He looked in good batting form during the PSL this season.

[HitWicket]

LOL in the article they mention also 2011?!?!

What are his stats for last year?
His bowling is very ordinary.

12 games
9 wickets @ 30.44 (Econ 6.22)
191 runs @ 17.36 (SR 160.50)

[hitthestump]

As a Hampshire fan like last year I'll take it but a bit underwhelmed that we've signed him again to be honest. Already got more than enough depth (and 'foreign players') in nearly all departments except wicket keeping in the t20 team and all this will do is guarantee that neither of our talented young spinners coming through have any chance of getting in the XI.

Lol, I think you've got a bigger problem in the entire English county system being designed to negate spin bowlers rather than blaming Shahid Afridi for playing a few 20 over matches.

[Sarfarazian92]

Englishmen on twitter weren't entirely satisfied with this signing.

[HitWicket]

Lol, I think you've got a bigger problem in the entire English county system being designed to negate spin bowlers rather than blaming Shahid Afridi for playing a few 20 over matches.

I'm saying it as a Hampshire fan however and not as an England fan. I'd prefer to see us hold onto someone talented like Taylor and give him a few t20 games where he did alright towards the end of last season given he'll probably get nothing else this season than see us make a signing like this and have a good chance of losing him at the end of the season.

[shaz619]

I'm saying it as a Hampshire fan however and not as an England fan. I'd prefer to see us hold onto someone talented like Taylor and give him a few t20 games where he did alright towards the end of last season given he'll probably get nothing else this season than see us make a signing like this and have a good chance of losing him at the end of the season.

He sells many tickets Afridi and remains a big draw with the fans, your C grade club can utilize that boost to improve their village cricket abillities

[HitWicket]

He sells many tickets Afridi and remains a big draw with the fans, your C grade club can utilize that boost to improve their village cricket abillities

Let's be honest, it's Southampton, the increase in crowd size due to the signing will be almost negligible as it has been in the past.

Bit rich given Warwickshires start to the season .

[Smbhayi]

So when (t)his match starts? eagerly waiting for that!

[Markhor]

What a waste of money.

[shaz619]

Let's be honest, it's Southampton, the increase in crowd size due to the signing will be almost negligible as it has been in the past.

Bit rich given Warwickshires start to the season .

They make a lot of money on the back of his runs as they've in the past, and you'e having a whine but you'd pay for your ticket to see Afridi then that young spinner who no one cares about; that is the general public sentiment as well.

[HitWicket]

They make a lot of money on the back of his runs as they've in the past,

How so?

and you'e having a whine but you'd pay for your ticket to see Afridi then that young spinner who no one cares about; that is the general public sentiment as well.

Not exactly backed up by 99% of the social media comments on the signing being highly critical of it!

[HitWicket]

So when (t)his match starts? eagerly waiting for that!

7th July.

[Savak]

Well deserved. A legend in the T-20 format.

[shaz619]

How so?



Not exactly backed up by 99% of the social media comments on the signing being highly critical of it!

Social media don't balance the cheque books at Hamshire! and they in no way are an indication of the boost Afridi gives to small clubs like Hampshire who desperately need to make a few quid and raise their profile! it is beyond naive to assume otherwise if you think his drawing power doesn't factor into his signing, when did you start watching cricket matey!

[HitWicket]

Social media don't balance the cheque books at Hamshire! and they in no way are an indication of the boost Afridi gives to small clubs like Hampshire who desperately need to make a few quid and raise their profile! it is beyond naive to assume otherwise if you think his drawing power doesn't factor into his signing, when did you start watching cricket matey!

And what is this drawing power and where is this extra few quid coming from if it's not causing a notable increase in crowds?

[shaz619]

Well deserved. A legend in the T-20 format.

A former world champion and one of the greatest of all time

[pakistani pride]

12 games
9 wickets @ 30.44 (Econ 6.22)
191 runs @ 17.36 (SR 160.50)

So they didnt really contract him for his on the field record.

Even in PSL his bowling was below average.

[shaz619]

And what is this drawing power and where is this extra few quid coming from if it's not causing a notable increase in crowds?

How is this increase in crowd not noticeable, are you blind? in addition, more viewers will tune into your T20 games via their TV sets, NOW TV online and Sky Go.

[shaz619]

So they didnt really contract him for his on the field record.

Even in PSL his bowling was below average.

Exactly, are people seriously idiotic that they think he was signed for purely cricketing reasons

[shaz619]

@HitWicket seriously thinks his small/poor club should play some chump no one wants to see ahead of Afridi what kind of stupid logic is that, is this chump going to put butts on seats like Boom Boom? Hell no, he couldn't draw flies to the stadiums! and 9 times out of 10 will be lucky to be playing cricket in a few years time

[HitWicket]

How is this increase in crowd not noticeable, are you blind?

Because there hasn't been a noticeable increase in crowds (or a Pakistani supporters contingent generally) in the games in which Afridi has played at home for Hampshire.

in addition, more viewers will tune into your T20 games via their TV sets, NOW TV online and Sky Go.

Hampshire don't get any commission on the 1 or 2 televised t20 home games they'll have each year.

[shaz619]

Because there hasn't been a noticeable increase in crowds (or a Pakistani supporters contingent generally) in the games in which Afridi has played at home for Hampshire.



Hampshire don't get any commission on the 1 or 2 televised t20 home games they'll have each year.

You're a lier, Afridi draws HUGE crowds over there which is why he has been signed. This common sense.

It will boost the appeal of your small club in the future, Afridi draws more viewers meaning he will inspire the future generation of talent at Hamshire with his flamboyance.

How is this Taylor or any of the other bare bums you speak of superior draws or players?

[pakistani pride]

Exactly, are people seriously idiotic that they think he was signed for purely cricketing reasons

His waaaayyyy past it.
They will pay to see his bowling get smashed to pieces and see him getting out on the leg side after top edging a bouncer.

Anyways good luck to him.

[shaz619]

@HitWicket you read a couple of tweets on social media from some goreh who say we want crane blah blah and come to the conclusion that the entire social media and majority of fans are against Afridi being signed with that sought of logic you expect us to believe your lies about Afridi's lack of drawing power at the Rose Bowl lmao

Trust me you club can do with the Charity, you should be THANKFUL to Afridi. For once your little club is going to be of relevance in something this summer and the bosses who are far more intelligent then you when it comes to the financial matters realise his drawing power, ability to boost the club's profile and help you progress in the T20 Blast. Neither of which your silly little cranes, dawns and dysons can do; pinning the blame on Afridi's signing due to your managements lack of ineptness when it comes to developing talent is moronic!!!

[HitWicket]

You're a lier, Afridi draws HUGE crowds over there which is why he has been signed. This common sense.

It will boost the appeal of your small club in the future, Afridi draws more viewers meaning he will inspire the future generation of talent at Hamshire with his flamboyance.

How is this Taylor or any of the other bare bums you speak of superior draws or players?

As I've said, Hampshire have had no noticeable increase in crowds when Afridi is playing compare to when he isn't. I'd expect the affect would be bigger on some of the more northern or London (although Surrey wouldn't really need the boost) counties and those that have their grounds in the city centres but it's had barely any effect down here.

For one in terms of performance Dawson outdid him in all departments last season and captained ahead of him whilst Vince was on international duty.

As I've said it's nothing personal against him but I'd personally much prefer to see us giving a few chances to very talented young spinners in Crane and Taylor in t20 than signing Afridi again (which as you've seen on social media is the overwhelming feeling amongst Hampshire fans).

[shaz619]

@HitWicket you read a couple of tweets on social media from some goreh who say we want crane blah blah and come to the conclusion that the entire social media and majority of fans are against Afridi being signed with that sought of logic you expect us to believe your lies about Afridi's lack of drawing power at the Rose Bowl lmao

Trust me you club can do with the Charity, you should be THANKFUL to Afridi. For once your little club is going to be of relevance in something this summer and the bosses who are far more intelligent then you when it comes to the financial matters realise his drawing power, ability to boost the club's profile and help you progress in the T20 Blast. Neither of which your silly little cranes, dawns and dysons can do; pinning the blame on Afridi's signing due to your managements lack of ineptness when it comes to developing talent is moronic!!!

Post 33 responds to your naive post! @HitWicket

[HitWicket]

@HitWicket you read a couple of tweets on social media from some goreh who say we want crane blah blah and come to the conclusion that the entire social media and majority of fans are against Afridi being signed with that sought of logic you expect us to believe your lies about Afridi's lack of drawing power at the Rose Bowl lmao

Unfortunately all the tweets appear to have now disappeared. The Facebook announcement has 100+ comments however with the vast majority criticising the signing bar a few of Pakistani fans. Not exactly 'a couple of tweets'. It's a significant sample.

Feel free to call me a liar all you want about Afridi not causing a notable increase in crowds, it's the truth.

Trust me you club can do with the Charity, you should be THANKFUL to Afridi. For once your little club is going to be of relevance in something this summer and the bosses who are far more intelligent then you when it comes to the financial matters realise his drawing power, ability to boost the club's profile and help you progress in the T20 Blast.

A loss of money in a way fans don't want it to be spent is not charity.

Neither of which your silly little cranes, dawns and dysons can do; pinning the blame on Afridi's signing due to your managements lack of ineptness when it comes to developing talent is moronic!!!

Once again, Dawson outdid Afridi in every department by a mile last year.

[shaz619]

Unfortunately all the tweets appear to have now disappeared. The Facebook announcement has 100+ comments however with the vast majority criticising the signing bar a few of Pakistani fans. Not exactly 'a couple of tweets'. It's a significant sample.

Feel free to call me a liar all you want about Afridi not causing a notable increase in crowds, it's the truth.



A loss of money in a way fans don't want it to be spent is not charity.



Once again, Dawson outdid Afridi in every department by a mile last year.

The sample you speak of is not significant on any level at all! it is beyond moronic to come to a conclusion based on facebooktards or a couple of dopey goreh people like sucking up to on twitter. The truth and fact is that Afridi is a draw or else he'd not be of much interest since you have legendary replacements ready allegedly

Neither of the names you mention will put the butts in seats like afridi, make more money for your small club or raise its profile. And nor can they win games like Afridi either who has the X FACTOR, Dawson is an insult to cricket. But first it's tough for the bosses to look past the fact that your little club has no star power, Afridi = $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ blaming his signing on the fact that you can't develop talent is stupid, as if a few T20 games is going to do those chumps a world of good; if you think that then it would explain why Hampshire is the hot bed for inferior talent in England

[HitWicket]

The sample you speak of is not significant on any level at all! it is beyond moronic to come to a conclusion based on facebooktards or a couple of dopey goreh people like sucking up to on twitter.

No but you'd expect if there's 100+ people criticising the signing in the Facebook comments on the post announcing the signing that there'd at least be 1 person living in England in the same comments section happy about or at least advocating the signing?

The truth and fact is that Afridi is a draw or else he'd not be of much interest since you have legendary replacements ready allegedly

Neither of the names you mention will put the butts in seats like afridi, make more money for your small club or raise its profile. And nor can they win games like Afridi either who has the X FACTOR, Dawson is an insult to cricket. But first it's tough for the bosses to look past the fact that your little club has no star power, Afridi = $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

And for the 3rd time I'll point out Dawson outdoing Afridi in every department and being recognised as a more suitable captain choice when Vince was on international duty last season.

We've done the fact that Afridi doesn't cause a notable increase in crowds to death now so I'll just leave it there.

blaming his signing on the fact that you can't develop talent is stupid, as if a few T20 games is going to do those chumps a world of good; if you think that then it would explain why Hampshire is the hot bed for inferior talent in England

Hence why the team has reached finals day for 6 of the last 7 seasons making them the most successful t20 team in the country his decade...

[shaz619]

No but you'd expect if there's 100+ people criticising the signing in the Facebook comments on the post announcing the signing that there'd at least be 1 person living in England in the same comments section happy about or at least advocating the signing?



And for the 3rd time I'll point out Dawson outdoing Afridi in every department and being recognised as a more suitable captain choice when Vince was on international duty last season.

We've done the fact that Afridi doesn't cause a notable increase in crowds to death now so I'll just leave it there.



Hence why the team has reached finals day for 6 of the last 7 seasons making them the most successful t20 team in the country his decade...

Dawson even if he is a bum will still get to play the Natwest in-spite of Afridi's signing. And you'e deluded to come to a stupid conclusion based on social media comments; they do not account for the public sentiment or else Labour would win the general election. More intelligent people like the Hamshire bosses they understand Afridi's drawing power which is why he has been signed so your conspiracy theories about it not being so are bizarre.

Also, Dawson is not worthy of the dirt under Afridi's shoes.

[HitWicket]

Dawson even if he is a bum will still get to play the Natwest in-spite of Afridi's signing. And you'e deluded to come to a stupid conclusion based on social media comments; they do not account for the public sentiment or else Labour would win the general election. More intelligent people like the Hamshire bosses they understand Afridi's drawing power which is why he has been signed so your conspiracy theories about it not being so are bizarre.

The general election analogy is funny given. This though is more the equivalent of one of the major parties posting information about one of their new policies on Facebook and nearly every comment on it of a significant sample criticising it bar a couple of opposing major party supporters who just happened to be lurking there. It would have to be a pretty unwanted policy to get that kind of reaction.

Also, Dawson is not worthy of the dirt under Afridi's shoes.

Value is in performance and not these mythical 'extra butts on seats'.

[Hamad_H]

So which Hampshire game are UK PPers going to?