Shaheen Afridi in talks with Global T20 after the Hundred withdrawal

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is in talks with Canada's Global T20 league after pulling out of The Hundred, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. 

This move comes as a surprise as Afridi was a key player for Welsh Fire last year and was retained for the 2024 season on a hefty contract.

Afridi's absence is a significant blow to The Hundred, which clashes with the Global T20 this year.  The Hundred runs from July 23 to August 18, while the Global T20 is expected to be held between July 25 and August 11. This shorter window might be a key factor in Afridi's decision.

Pakistan's central contracts limit players to two No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for foreign leagues per season. Afridi has already committed to the UAE's ILT20, leaving him with a choice between The Hundred and the Global T20.

The Global T20, a privately-run league returning for its fourth season, boasts a strong international presence, potentially appealing to Afridi. The league's shorter duration and potentially higher visibility compared to its previous editions might be factors as well.

New Zealand's Matt Henry will replace Afridi at Welsh Fire. However, Henry's participation might be delayed due to his commitments with the Major League Cricket (MLC) franchise San Francisco Unicorns. This situation highlights the challenges leagues face with overlapping schedules and players juggling multiple commitments.

Despite Afridi's departure, The Hundred still boasts four Pakistani players: Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Imad Wasim, and Usama Mir. 

The ECB's decision to allow private investment in The Hundred was partly driven by this very challenge – to offer salaries that can compete with other lucrative leagues.