Shahid Afridi, Sarfaraz Ahmed picks as icon players for Galle Gladiators for Lankan Premier League

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has signed up to play the inaugural edition of Lanka Premier League, Sri Lanka's franchise-based T20 league from November 14 to December 6. Afridi has been named the icon player of Galle Gladiators.

Champions Trophy-winning former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed will also represent Galle Gladiators, which will be owned by Nadeem Omar who also is owner of Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League.

Shahid Afridi took to social media to make the announcement and thanked Omar for getting him to Lankan Premier League.

"Proud to be the icon player for Galle Gladiators. I want to thank Nadeem Omar bhai and also congratulate him for being the first franchise owner from Pakistan in the #LPL. I'll be seeing you all in," Afridi said.

Afridi, who retired from international cricket in 2017, has been a T20



globetrotter in the recent past. The 40-year-old last played for Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League in March.

The inaugural edition of Lankan Premier League was originally scheduled to be held from August 28 to September 20, but it had to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Five teams representing five cities will take part in the Lanka Premier League but with the Pakistan Cricket Board also announcing that it would hold its remaining four PSL matches between November 14 and 17, many Pakistani players might be unable to attend the initial part of the event, according to PTI.

Five teams will compete in 23 matches over a 15-day period. The tournament will be played at three international venues -- Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium and Suriyawewa Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium.