Former Pakistan all-rounder and crowd puller Shahid Afridi will turn up as icon player for a new team Qalandars in the next edition of the Abu Dhabi T10. 

Qalandars, owned by Fawad Rana, who won the hearts of the UAE fans by cheering and dancing for his team Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League, were delighted to have Afridi on board as they enter the nine-team league competition. 

"Look, I am as fit as ever and I will not only be playing but also ensure that Qalandars perform brilliantly in this tournament," the 44-year-old Afridi told Gulf News. 

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"Everyone have enjoyed playing in this format. In fact, all the overseas players enjoyed playing in this tournament so much that after the last edition they were all asking when would be the next edition of this league. I am now flooded with calls from many top stars wanting to play for our team."

Rana, on his part, before the the press conference held at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council to announce the entry of his team, said: "I sincerely thank the T10 management and Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi and to Abu Dhabi Cricket for giving this opportunity to play in this popular tournament."

"I am also very excited for the opportunity to bring iconic players like Shahid Afridi to play before the fans here in Abu Dhabi."

The Abu Dhabi T10 will be commencing on November 14.