Shahid Afridi : "Rajasthan and Kolkatta would be my preferred choice in the IPL"

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, Pakistan's Twenty/20 captain Shahid Afridi confirmed that his preferred choice of teams in the Indian Premier League would be either inaugural IPL winners Rajasthan Royals or Shah Rukh Khan's Kolkatta Knight Riders.

"There are a number of franchises that would interest me in the next season of IPL and lets wait and see what happens at the all important auction, but my preferred destinations would be either The Rajasthan Royals or the Kolkatta Knight Riders" stated Afridi.

Both the Rajasthan Royals and Kolkatta Knight Riders employed Pakistani players in the first IPL tournament, with Kamran Akmal and Sohail Tanvir starring for tournament one champions Rajasthan, whlst Salman Butt, Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Akhtar represented Kolkatta.

Afridi who boasts a strike rate of over 146 in Twenty/20 internationals is currently taking part in the Twenty/20 Big Bash for South Australia and has lit up the tournament with 2 Man of the Match performances in both his outings. Afridi was also a key member of the Pakistan squad that lifted the Twenty/20 World Cup tournament last year in England.

"The Big Bash is going live to India so it's a great opportunity for those players in the IPL player list to show potential bidders what they can do for their teams" added the flamboyant all rounder.

Afridi who is widely regarded as one of cricket's great entertainers feels that his time in Australia playing for South Australia, will be beneficial to Pakistan in the forthcoming one day series and Twenty/20.

"The Big Bash is an important tournament obviously for South Australia and myself but also it can be beneficial for Pakistan. I'm really focussed on helping South Australia qualify for the Champions League. It's tough and very competitive cricket out here and there are a lot of good players, but I'm up for the challenge. I also feel that getting used to conditions out here at the various venues will put me in a good position for the forthcoming 5 match one day series for Pakistan and the Twenty/20 match at the MCG" stated Afridi.

29 year old Afridi says he's settled in well in Australia and is thoroughly enjoying his cricket. "We've got a great bunch of lads at South Australia. The morale of the team is high and everyone is working hard and backing each other up. The weather is fantastic and I'm staying in a lovely apartment with Kieron Pollard".

South Australia who have won both their matches so far, next entertain Victoria on 7th January at Adelaide.