Thaindian News

Sydney, Jan 4 (IANS) Pakistan’s Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi is hoping to get an Indian Premier League (IPL) stint this year with either Rajasthan Royals or Kolkata Knight Riders.
Afridi, who played in the first IPL season for Deccan Chargers, said that Royals, who won the inaugural IPL and Shah Rukh Khan’s Knight Riders are his preferred teams.

“There are a number of franchises that would interest me in the next season of IPL and lets wait and see what happens at the all important auction, but my preferred destinations would be either the Rajasthan Royals or the Kolkatta Knight Riders,” Afridi was quoted as saying by PakPassion.net.

Afridi who boasts a superb strike rate of over 146 in Twenty20 internationals is currently taking part in the Big Bash — Australia’s domestic Twenty20 event — for South Australia and has lit up the tournament with two Man of the Match performances in both his outings.

The 29-year-old allrounder was also Pakistan’s hero in their 2009 ICC World Twenty20 triumph in England.

“The Big Bash is going live to India so it’s a great opportunity for those players in the IPL player list to show potential bidders what they can do for their teams,” he said.

“The Big Bash is an important tournament obviously for South Australia and myself but also it can be beneficial for Pakistan. I’m really focussed on helping South Australia qualify for the Champions League. It’s tough and very competitive cricket out here and there are a lot of good players, but I’m up for the challenge.

“I also feel that getting used to conditions out here at the various venues will put me in a good position for the forthcoming five-match one day series for Pakistan and the Twenty20 match at the MCG,” he said.