The press conference of Sylhet Strikers’ head coach Mahmud Emon was still in progress when Pakistan's pace sensation Shaheen Shah Afridi walked in, instantly becoming the center of attention.
Camera lenses quickly shifted toward him, and Afridi, with his trademark smile, observed the ongoing question and answer session.
A curious journalist broke the ice, humorously asking Afridi, "Does Pakistan have so many booms?" The pacer chuckled and replied, "No."
The conversation soon turned to his feelings about his first day of practice for the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
"I'm excited to play in the Bangladesh League," Shaheen said.
"Tamim Bhai's call to join this team had me thrilled from the start. I know the people of Bangladesh love cricket and their superstars. I hope to perform well here," he said.
This season, Afridi will represent Fortune Barishal, the defending champions who clinched the title under the leadership of Tamim Iqbal.
When asked about his decision to join the franchise, Afridi said: “For me, it was Tamim Iqbal’s phone call. That was enough.”
Afridi, a first-timer in the BPL, expressed admiration for the tournament.
He said: "I have been watching the BPL for years. It’s a great franchise tournament with lots to learn. Playing here will help me grow as a cricketer, and I hope to bring those lessons to my international game for Pakistan. Many Pakistanis have played here, and I’m eager to experience it myself."
With the BPL 2024 off to a grand start, highlighted by an extravagant opening ceremony, Shaheen Afridi's participation has become a major talking point.
When asked about being considered the tournament's biggest star, Afridi humbly dismissed the notion.
"Honestly, I am not a star," he said. "There are many Bangladeshi players, including Tamim and other national team members, who are the real stars here. I’m just a cricketer trying to perform for my team and help us win matches.
Bd-Pratidin English/ Afsar Munna
