Scoring a century off just 37 deliveries during his second one-day international match against Sri Lanka, Shahid Afridi established himself as a force in limited-overs cricket. This performance in 1996 signaled the arrival of a right-handed batsman and leg-spin bowler who would represent Pakistan across three decades, eventually leading the national team in both ODI and T20I formats.
Early Career and National Breakthrough
Born in 1980 in the Khyber District, Afridi progressed through Pakistan's under-19 circuit during the 1994–95 season. His domestic development included a successful stint with the Karachi Whites, where he took 42 wickets in five matches. Following his international debut against Kenya in 1996, he entered the Test arena against Australia in 1998. Throughout his career, he competed for English clubs including Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Kent.
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Afridi played a central role in Pakistan's victory at the 2009 T20 World Cup, earning player of the match honors in the final for his unbeaten 54 and bowling figures of 1/20. Following the retirement of Younis Khan, he assumed the T20I captaincy. He also served as ODI captain in 2010 and led the side to the semi-finals of the 2011 Cricket World Cup. He officially retired from international cricket on 31 May 2018.
Franchise and League Involvement
His involvement in the Pakistan Super League was extensive, beginning with Peshawar Zalmi as captain and icon player, where he later held the title of president. He subsequently represented the Karachi Kings and the Multan Sultans, serving as a team mentor, before concluding his PSL participation with the Quetta Gladiators in 2022.
Philanthropy and Public Life
Afridi established the Shahid Afridi Foundation to support education and healthcare initiatives. He collaborated with UNICEF on anti-polio campaigns and assisted populations in Balochistan during the 2019 coronavirus pandemic. His public profile includes a 2018 award of the Sitara-i-Imtiaz and a 2010 Pride of Performance. He is married to Nadia Afridi and they have five daughters.
Fast facts
- Born: 1980, Khyber District
- International Debut: 1996 against Kenya
- Awards: Pride of Performance (2010), Sitara-i-Imtiaz (2018)
- Religion: Sunni Islam
- Final PSL Season: 2022
- Family: Married to Nadia Afridi with five daughters
Questions readers ask
Which teams did Shahid Afridi captain in the PSL?
He captained Peshawar Zalmi during the 2016 season.
What record did Afridi set in his second ODI match?
He set the record for the fastest century in ODI cricket at the time, reaching the milestone in 37 deliveries against Sri Lanka.
