Shahid Afridi joins Smith, Gayle for Global T20 Canada

Former Pakistan captain and all-rounder Shahid Afridi will be seen in action this summer as he joins Global T20 Canada league launched on Thursday.

The star all-rounder will joining the likes of international superstars including Steve Smith, Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Darren Sammy, Lasith Malinga, Sunil Narine, David Miller and Dwayne Bravo for the month-long tournament, scheduled to commence from June.

"On behalf of CWI [Cricket West Indies], I would like to wish Global T20 Canada much success," said CWI president, Dave Cameron, quoted cricket.com.au.

Global T20 Canada will consist of six teams, five representing Canadian cities – Edmonton Royals, Montreal Tigers, Toronto Nationals, Vancouver Knights and Winnipeg Hawks – with a sixth, Cricket West Indies representative team, consisting entirely of players from the Caribbean.

Head coach believes Shadab Khan is future’s genuine all-rounder

"The growth of our region will largely depend on the success of leagues and tournaments like this. We support Cricket Canada and look forward to working even closer going forward," added Cameron.

The league will feature 22 matches culminating in playoffs and the final match on July 16. All contests will take place at Maple Leaf Cricket Club, Toronto.

"Global T20 Canada marks the first time a nation with associate member status is launching a league – a major step forward in cricket's global development," said Ranjit Saini, President, Cricket Canada.

"Canadian cricket fans will have a great opportunity to see up close many of the world's greatest players, and I'd like to thank International Cricket Council, CWI and the international cricket community for their guidance and support in growing cricket in Canada," added Saini.