Bangladesh Premier League, Shaheen Afridi: Pakistan's leading fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will make his first appearance in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) for defending champions Fortune Barishal in the upcoming edition of the tournament. The 11th edition of the BPL will begin on December 30 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium with a match between defending champions Fortune Barishal and newcomers Darbar Rajshahi.

"Pakistan left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will play for Fortune Barishal in the upcoming BPL," Cricbuzz quoted the franchise as saying in a statement. The franchise official confirmed that the 24-year-old pacer has been signed as a direct hire and will be available for the first five matches of the tournament, with the Pakistan Cricket Board giving him a No Objection Certificate by January 15.

Other directly contracted players for Fortune include Kyle Mayers, Dawid Malan, Mohammad Nabi, Faheem Ashraf, Ali Mohammad and Jahandad Khan, while James Fuller, Pathum Nissanka and Nandre Burger were selected from the players draft. Fortune also has a strong list of local talent, which includes Tamim Iqbal, Tauheed Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Tanvir Islam, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Ripan Mondol, Ibadat Hossain, Nayeem Hasan, Rishad Hossain and Taijul Islam.

The BPL features seven franchise teams - Dhaka Capitals, Chittagong Kings, Darbar Rajshahi, Fortune Barishal, Khulna Tigers, Rangpur Riders and Sylhet Strikers - which will run till February 7.