February 12, 2008	Tuesday	Safar 04 ,1429

CARDIFF, Feb 11: Glamorgan are in talks to sign flamboyant Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi for their Twenty20 season this summer.

“We want a top-class player who will win us matches and also drag people through the gate and Afridi is someone who fits the bill,” Matthew Maynard, Glamorgan’s Cricket Manager, said.

“It’s up to the PCB to agree to release him for that period of his contract.”

There were rumours recently that Glamorgan were attempting to sign batting maestro Brian Lara, however the club denied it.

Whether they sign Afridi or another big name from overseas, Glamorgan desperately need to improve on a poor performance last year in which they finished bottom of their division, with just one win in eight matches.

“Afridi is one of only half a dozen players in the world who would help the team progress in the competition but also benefit us commercially by filling our magnificent new stadium. That’s the purpose,” added Maynard.—Agencies