Pakistan's ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will play for reigning champions Fortune Barishal in the upcoming 11th edition of Bangladesh Premier League T20, scheduled to start on December 30. 

A Barishal official confirmed the development to The Daily Star today, revealing that the 24-year-old was roped in as a direct signing. It will be Shaheen's maiden appearance in the tournament.

The left-arm pacer will, however, only be available for Barishal's opening five games as he was granted NOC by the Pakistan Cricket Board till January 15, 2025. The tournament will run until February 7.

Barishal have a star-studded lineup, featuring big foreign and local names for this season, including the likes of like Kyle Mayers, Dawid Malan, Mohammad Nabi, Faheem Ashraf, Ali Mohammad and Jahandad Khan, who were all brought in as direct signings. They also picked James Fuller, Pathum Nissanka and Nandre Burger from the players' draft.

Alongside the foreign players, Barishal have a number of local stars in their ranks. Tamim Iqbal, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Tanvir Islam, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Ripon Mondol, Ebadot Hossain, Nayeem Hasan, Rishad Hossain and Taijul Islam will all be raring to defend the title.

Barishal will face newcomers Durbar Rajshahi in the tournament opener in Mirpur which will be followed by Rangpur Riders' match against the other new franchise Dhaka Capitals at the same venue.