Pakistan flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi has signed up to play for Fly Emirates XI in the T20 Arabian Cricket Challenge (ARCH) Trophy at 7he Sevens Stadium in Dubai. South Africa’s domestic T20 champion Cape Cobras, winner of England’s T20 cup Sussex and Surrey Lions will be the other parties in the four-team event.

Afridi will be lining up alongside the Emirates employees, including four members of the UAE team against some of South Africa and England’s most talented Twenty20 players. “It is going to be a tough challenge, but I am looking forward to it immensely. I always enjoy my time in Dubai and am very excited about playing in the first ever Emirates Airline Twenty20 tournament,” said Afridi. “I know there is a real passion among cricket fans in the UAE and it will be great to play in front of them.”

It is a dream come true for Fly Emirates XI skipper Nigel Fernandez, who is delighted his team will get the opportunity to learn from one of the game’s most gifted players in the tournament. “I can’t believe that Shahid Afridi will be playing for us,” said the 32-year-old batsman from India.

“He is among the best players in the world at the moment and to have him alongside us will give us great confidence. He is a player I greatly admire. He is a natural talent who can win matches singlehandedly. It will be an incredible experience for everyone in the team and a real honour to line up beside him,” added Fernandez.

Tournament director and ARCH founder Matthew Jackson said: “It is great to have Afridi on board. He is a thrilling player to watch and plays in a style which sums up the festival spirit we aim to create.”