HAMPSHIRE have re-signed Shahid Afridi for the entirety of this year’s NatWest T20 Blast - but many of the county's fans are unimpressed.
The veteran Pakistan star will be back for a third spell in July after stints in 2011 and last year.
Afridi has taken 28 wickets in 24 T20 games for Hampshire with his leg-spin.
At this year’s Pakistan Super League, he struck 177 runs in eight innings, including 54 from just 28 balls against Karachi Kings.
But several Hampshire fans fear the 37 year-old's return will deny Mason Crane opportunities.
@IanPearce100 @mrw3bb @hantscricket @SAfridiOfficial @NatWestT20Blast Tom Alsop dropped from 4 day and assume Mason from T20 for Afridi not the way forward.
— Paul Williams (@pdjlk1) May 18, 2017
@hantscricket @SAfridiOfficial @NatWestT20Blast This isn't going down well! Will cheer him on - but TBH, give youth a chance! Squad is good enough without.
— Phil Webb (@mrw3bb) May 18, 2017
@hantscricket @SAfridiOfficial @NatWestT20Blast Why? He fails more often than not with the bat and it prevents Crane from playing.
— Chris Hall (@chrizzal) May 18, 2017
It may yet be that Hampshire go with a three-pronged spin attack like that in 2011, when Afridi starred alongside Imran Tahir and Danny Briggs.
But with Liam Dawson sure to play, at least one of the young slow bowlers is likely to be disappointed.
Hampshire director of cricket, Giles White said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Shahid back.
“He’s been an important part of our success in the short form of the game in previous seasons and we feel his talents fit well with the current squad.”
Afridi will be one of two T20 overseas players alongside George Bailey. Hampshire begin their campaign at Glamorgan on July 7.
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