Afridi, who surprisingly is not related to Pakistan cricket heartthrob Shahid Afridi, revealed that he was offered a contract by the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) but skipped it for the sake of national duty and joined Pakistan U-19 squad for the World Cup in New Zealand.

“I got a contract for the BPL and for the T10 league too but I didn’t go because I was attending the camp for preparing for the Under 19 World Cup,” Afridi said, quoted ICC.

“I was sad to not go but it’s my national duty. Next year hopefully I’m free and will be going,” Afridi added.

Earlier, the teenager made heads turn after has claimed 8-39 on his first class debut, the best such figures by a Pakistani bowler. The youngster gets his inspiration from the legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram

“I bowl like Wasim Akram,” he said. “When I was starting the game, I was watching Akram on video and taking tips. He’s a legend bowler for Pakistan.”

Earlier, Akram said that Afridi took him to his days of a young fast bowler. “He is a left arm bowler, he is tall and he remembers me of my youth, as his bowling action is also identical, coming in sideways, extract bounce,” Akram said.