Vitality Blast: Nottinghamshire Outlaws excited to have Shaheen Shah Afridi
Nottingham: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi is set to make his UK Vitality Blast debut for Nottinghamshire Outlaws against Derbyshire Falcons at Trent Bridge today (Friday).
Notts coach Peter Moores and captain Steven Mullaney are delighted to have the left-arm fast bowler in their squad. Addressing. Geo News said the pair Shaheen Afridi Leading the Outlaws’ pace attack will attract more fans to the stadium.
“It’s a name that I’m sure a lot of people in Nottingham and the surrounding area know very well. So, it will definitely help more people come here to see what it’s worth. There is no doubt that he is an exciting cricketer to watch,” said Moores.
The coach described Afridi’s arrival at Trent Bridge as the first visit to Christmas.
“We’ve got one of the best bowlers in the world meeting such a humble guy. We’re really excited about what’s coming, in fact we’ve been excited for a long time. Ever since he’s arrived, Suraj has been the first. The bar has been shown so we’re looking at that as a good sign,” Moores said.
Nottinghamshire Outlaws captain Steven Mullaney is also optimistic that Shaheen’s presence in the team will help the team win their third title.
“With Shaheen’s performance we can get through the group stage and obviously go all the way and we have a chance to win the title,” said Mullaney.
“When the news broke that we had signed him there was a very positive reaction on social media. But talking to players who have played with him and against him. I spoke to Colin Munro and He texted me and said it was the signing of the summer,” revealed the skipper.
The Outlaws are currently suffering from some injuries, but Malani is confident that he still has enough good players in the squad to win the tournament. Shaheen’s experience of leading Lahore Qalandars to victory twice in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) can also be beneficial for the team.
“Obviously with Shaheen leading the attack, it will be very interesting. There are some very good teams so we will have to play very well. He has won two titles for Lahore Qalandars in the PSL so we are looking forward to him. know his leadership skills and that will help me as captain. So I’m really looking forward to having him with me,” said the coach.
Notts coach Moores has previously been the head coach of the England men’s team and PSL franchise Karachi Kings in the 2022 edition.
Talking about his stay with Karachi Kings, Peter said that he enjoyed his time in Pakistan even though his time was quite limited due to some covid restrictions these days.
“It’s a shame it was bright so I couldn’t go out to see Pakistan, Karachi and Lahore. But I love the spirit of Pakistan cricket, the emotion the boys show when they greet each other before the game starts. salute and then battle on the field. And when they come off the field they hug and appreciate what the game is all about,” Moores said.