Two more Pakistan cricketers join LPL as Shaheen Afridi withdraws

Two more Pakistani cricketers have secured contracts for the upcoming Lanka Premier League (LPL), while Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has withdrawn from the tournament due to personal reasons.

Young Pakistani batter Khawaja Nafay has signed with Jaffna Kings ahead of the new LPL season. The promising right-handed batter has been drafted into the squad as a replacement for Afghanistan opener Ibrahim Zadran, who is unavailable for the competition.

Naafay’s inclusion provides the Jaffna Kings with an exciting batting option as they prepare for the tournament. The youngster has been regarded as one of Pakistan’s emerging talents and will have the opportunity to showcase his skills in one of South Asia’s premier T20 leagues. Playing alongside experienced international cricketers is expected to provide him with valuable exposure and help accelerate his development.

Meanwhile, Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed has also earned an LPL contract after being signed by Dambulla Sixers. He joins the franchise as the replacement for Afghanistan fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Iftikhar brings considerable experience to the Dambulla squad with his ability to contribute in multiple departments. Known for his powerful middle-order batting and useful off-spin bowling, he has represented Pakistan in all three international formats and has featured in numerous T20 leagues around the world. His versatility is expected to strengthen the team’s balance as it aims to challenge for the LPL title.

The addition of Khawaja Nafay and Iftikhar Ahmed further increases Pakistan’s representation in the Lanka Premier League, highlighting the growing demand for Pakistani players in franchise cricket. Their participation also provides another platform for both players to perform against international opposition and gain valuable match experience ahead of future assignments.

In a separate development, Kandy Royals have confirmed that Pakistan pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi will no longer participate in this year’s Lanka Premier League.

According to tournament officials, Afridi informed the organizers that he would be unavailable because of personal reasons. As a result, the left-arm fast bowler has withdrawn from the competition before its start.

Shaheen’s absence is a significant setback for Kandy Royals, who were expected to rely heavily on his pace, experience and ability to strike with the new ball. Widely regarded as one of the leading fast bowlers in international cricket, Afridi has consistently delivered match-winning performances for both Pakistan and various franchise teams around the world.

The franchise has yet to announce a replacement for the star pacer, and further details regarding his withdrawal have not been disclosed. Tournament organizers have respected the player’s decision and stated only that his absence is due to personal reasons.

Despite Afridi’s withdrawal, the presence of Khawaja Nafay and Iftikhar Ahmed ensures continued Pakistani representation in the Lanka Premier League. Fans will now be eager to see how the two players perform as they begin a new chapter in one of the region’s most competitive T20 tournaments.