Hants want Afridi and Maxwell for Champions League

By Bruce Talbot

Hampshire hope to sign Shahid Afridi and Glenn Maxwell for the T20 Champions League. The Friends Life t20 champions may miss out on Maxwell to the Delhi Daredevils, however, for whom he played two games at this year’s Indian Premier League.

But Afridi could yet return to Hampshire’s t20 side, despite missing all of this year's successful campaign. He is still eligible, having been contracted to play this year before visa issues prevented his return. Afridi helped Hampshire to the semi-finals of last year’s FLt20, while Maxwell starred during this year’s group stage.

Maxwell missed Finals Day following his call-up to Australia’s one-day side, for whom he hit a run-a-ball 38 as a Pakistan side including Afridi lost the first ODI in Sharjah.

Their return to the Hampshire ranks would make up for the absence of Neil McKenzie (Highveld Lions) and Simon Katich (Perth Scorchers), who will be playing for their domestic t20 sides.

Afridi and Maxwell failed to help the Melbourne Renegades qualify for the Champions League earlier this year. And Afridi’s Sri Lankan Premier League side, the Ruhuna Rhinos, have also failed to make it.

Hampshire are in the same qualifying pool as Auckland Aces – for whom Jimmy Adams played in last year’s Champions League - and Pakistan champions Sialkot Stallions.


Date: 30/08/2012 10:27:14 by Bruce Talbot
In: Today | Hampshire |