PakPassion.net has been informed that two Kiwi domestic teams are targeting the explosive Pakistani due of Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq for this year's domestic New Zealand T20 competition.

By: Saj Sadiq

29 May 2010

Twenty20 cricket's popularity continues to grow around the world with all of the leading cricket nations boasting hugely popular domestic competitions.

The IPL and the Aussie Big Bash are just two of the leading twenty over competitions, played in front of packed houses, using colourful clothing, with dancers and the latest music also adding to the carnival atmosphere.

The New Zealand Twenty20 Competition which started in 2005/06 is not quite as well known as some of the other tournaments, but it continues to grow and continues to attract some of the world's leading players.

The Pakistani interest last season was represented by all rounder Yasir Arafat playing for the Otago Volts.

PakPassion.net has learnt that Pakistani participation in the forthcoming competition could be expanded, with both Abdul Razzaq and Shahid Afridi attracting a lot of interest from teams in New Zealand.

Skipper Afridi and Abdul Razzaq were key members of the World Cup winning squad of 2009, as well as being part of the squad that reached the semi finals in the 2010 competition in the Caribbean. Both players are regarded as Twenty20 specialists and have built a reputation as players who can change the course of a match in the space of a few overs.

Afridi has represented the likes of the Deccan Chargers and South Australia in Twenty over competitions and Razzaq was one of the Pakistani players who enjoyed a successful stint in the Indian Cricket League.

The New Zealand Twenty/20 competition for season 2010/11 will be played in December and both the Canterbury Wizards and the Wellington Firebirds are believed to be interested in signing the Pakistani duo.

The issue of availability could however hamper both players' participation, especially now that Afridi has made himself available for test cricket and Razzaq has also expressed an interest in returning to test cricket.