Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has welcomed ex-Proteas captain AB de Villiers’ participation in the Pakistan Super League.

De Villiers, who retired from international cricket earlier this year, will play in the 2019 edition of the tournament.

Afridi and De Villiers last met in T20I competition in November 2013 at Newlands. That series decider saw the leg-spinner clinch the key wicket of the hard-hitting right-hander, as Pakistan won by six runs.

‘Welcome. Looking forward to seeing you. The cricket fans in Pakistan love your batting – you’ll really enjoy the league. Thank you for opting for the PSL,’ tweeted Afridi.

De Villiers has enjoyed stints with the Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League and Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League, but has never represented a PSL franchise.

Which franchise – Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Sultans, Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators, Lahore Qalandars 0r Islamabad United – the hard-hitting right-hander will play for remains in the balance. Afridi is with Karachi.

‘The Pakistan Super League has grown into one of the top T20 tournaments around the world,’ said De Villiers.

‘It has given Pakistanis much to cheer about. I’ve certainly enjoyed watching some of the PSL games on television in recent years.

‘In 2019, I will be participating in the PSL. I certainly can’t wait.’

Photo: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images