Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, Pakistan all rounder Shahid Afridi expressed his excitement at signing a one year deal with English County side Hampshire to play in the Friends Provident Twenty/20 Competition later this year.

by Saj Sadiq

8th January 2010

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, Pakistan all rounder Shahid Afridi expressed his excitement at signing a one year deal with English County side Hampshire to play in the Friends Provident Twenty/20 Competition later this year.

"I'm really looking forward to playing for Hampshire next season in the Friends Provident Trophy competition. They are a strong team and I'm excited about the thought of playing alongside the likes of Kevin Pietersen and Dimitri Mascarenhas" stated Afridi.

Afridi who is currently playing for South Australia in the Big Bash which is the Australian equivalent of the Friends Provident Trophy and has already picked up two man of the match awards, also stated that he is looking forward to a busy summer of cricket in England this year.

"I have a huge fan base in England and really enjoy playing cricket there. I always get great backing from the crowds, so I will be doing my utmost to try and perform to the best of my ability in front of the fans, for both Pakistan and Hampshire" stated Afridi.

Afridi has signed a one year contract and is likely to make his debut for Hampshire at the Swalec Stadium against Glamorgan on 8th June. The competition finals day is due to be held at Hampshire's home ground, the Rose Bowl on 14th August.

Whilst a deal has been signed for Hampshire, Afridi added "I always concentrate on one match at a time and at the moment my focus is on performing well for South Australia and then for Pakistan in the forthcoming one day series in Australia."