CPL: Abbas Afridi named as replacement for Mohammad Nawaz

CASTRIES: The St Kitts and Nevis Patriots confirmed that Pakistani fast bowler Abbas Afridi will join their squad for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025, stepping in as a replacement for all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz who was ruled out ahead of the tournament.

At just 24 years old, Afridi is set to make his CPL debut after a strong performance in domestic and international cricket. He will be joining fellow Pakistani pacer Naseem Shah in the Patriots ranks, with the latter returning to the CPL after last appearing in the competition in 2021.

Read more: Caribbean Premier League: Patriots defeat Falcons by 6 wickets

Abbas Afridi’s performance

Abbas Afridi rose through cricket’s ranks at an impressive rate. Since making his debut in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2021, he has played 40 matches and claimed 60 wickets.

Afridi began his PSL journey with the Karachi Kings, spent three seasons with Multan Sultans and returned to Karachi Kings for the current season.

His performance is not limited to Pakistan’s T20 circles only. In 2024, the 24-year-old featured in the Bangladesh Premier League (BSL) for Fortune Barishal, where he took two wickets in three matches and even batted well with the bat.

On the international stage, he represented Pakistan in T20 Internationals, taking 33 wickets including being one of the joint-second leading wicket-takers in the recent PSL season.

Pakistanis in the Caribbean Premier League 2025

Seen Pakistani players are participating across different teams. Alongside Afridi and Naseem Shah in the Patriots, former left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir will play for the Trinbago Knight Riders. The bowler has played 39 CPL matches, picking up 51 wickets.

Read more: PAK vs BAN: Pakistan Shaheens begin Top End T20 Series with 79-run win

Usman Tariq also debuted in the CPL with Trinbago after a strong performance in the 2024 and 2025 PSL. All-rounder Imad Wasim will represent Antigua and Barbuda Falcons again after a brief release and re-signing, while spin all-rounder Hasan Khan joined the Guyana Amazon Warriors.