Boom Boom can't wait to return to Hampshire

Shahid Afridi in action for Hampshire in 2011. Picture: Michael Jones/Digital South

The Pakistan all-rounder will arrive at the Ageas Bowl for the start of the NatWest T20 Blast.

And the leg-spinner will be available for the entire competition as Hampshire bid to regain the crown they won in 2010 and 2012.

Afridi last played for the club in a Champions League qualifying tournament in October 2012.

That followed a successful stint in 2011 when he helped the county to the semi-finals at Edgbaston – only to lose to Somerset in a super over.

Afridi said: ‘I am very pleased to be returning to Hampshire. I really enjoyed my previous spells there.

‘I’m looking forward to spending some more time on the beautiful south coast and playing some serious cricket in front of the Hampshire fans at the Ageas Bowl.’

Afridi, who is nicknamed Boom Boom, has scored 194 runs in 12 matches for Hampshire to date.

He struck his highest score of 80 – which came off a blistering 42 deliveries – in the semi-final of the 2011 Friends Life T20.

His knock included six fours and five sixes.

However, the Pakistan all-rounder has proved most effective with the ball at the Ageas Bowl.

He has taken 19 wickets, including a best of five for 20, at an average of 12.57 and a stunning twenty20 economy rate of just 5.62.

Hampshire director of cricket Giles White said: ‘This year it has been a challenge to get the top players over for significant periods of the Blast, so we are delighted he is available for the entire tournament.

‘Shahid made a huge impression last time he was with us and his return is a major boost ahead of our twenty20 campaign.’

Afridi currently holds the record for the most wickets in twenty20 internationals with 91 – in 90 appearances.

The big-hitting right-hander has also played 27 Test matches and 393 one-day internationals for Pakistan.

You can catch Afridi in action at the Ageas Bowl  with a NatWest T20 Blast Passport.

Available for just £99, the new ticket entitles you to admission for all seven of Hampshire’s home matches in the competition.

You can purchase the passport online at eticketing.co.uk/ageasbowl, over the phone on (023) 8047 5606 or by visiting the Ageas Bowl Ticket & Membership Office in normal working hours.