PCB allow Shahid Afridi to play for Hampshire

All-rounder Shahid Afridi will finally join Hampshire next week after talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board.The PCB barred Afridi, 33, from playing in the FL t20 after suspending his central contract for disparaging remarks about the board.But, following a meeting on Tuesday, the PCB granted the player his No Objection Certificate.”Shahid will be able to play for Hampshire next week,” Afridi’s lawyer Umran Khan told BBC Radio Solent.”The meeting between Shahid and Ijaz Butt [PCB chairman] went very well and both parties have come to an amicable agreement.”I spoke to Giles White [Hampshire manager] this morning and they’re very pleased that it’s all sorted.“Shahid is very excited to finally be linking up with Hampshire and get back to doing what he loves, which is playing cricket.”Afridi, who had seen his registration with Hampshire removed by the England and Wales Cricket Board because of the row, was scheduled to make his Hampshire debut in their FL t20 opener against Somerset last month.Reigning Twenty20 champions Hampshire have won five of their six matches in the competition so far this summer – the only blot on their record being Sunday’s rain-off at Taunton – and are not in action again until Friday’s trip to Glamorgan.They are then due to face Worcestershire on Saturday, but it may be next Thursday’s trip to Essex before Afridi can make his Hampshire bow.Afridi was also poised to play Twenty20 cricket for Hampshire last summer but opted to lead Pakistan in the Test series against Australia instead. – BBC