Sports
Shaheen Shah Afridi | Pakistan Cricket Player
Shaheen Shah Afridi, born on April 6, 2000, is a prominent Pakistani cricketer. He had served as the captain of the Pakistan national cricket team in the T20I format and leads the Lahore Qalandars in the PSL. Shaheen Afridi’s captaincy led the Lahore Qalandars to their maiden PSL title in the 2022 season, and they repeated the feat by securing the 2023 title, marking the first instance of a team successfully defending their PSL title. Additionally, he holds the distinction of being the first Pakistani to win the prestigious Garfield Sobers trophy.
Personal Information
| Full Name | Shaheen Shah Afridi |
| Date of Birth | April 6, 2000 |
| Place of Birth | Landi Kotal, Khyber Agency, Pakistan |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (198 cm) |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Left-arm fast-medium Bowler |
| Role | Opening Bowler |
| Father-in-Law | Shahid Afridi |
| Wife | Ansha Afridi |
Early Life and Background
Family Background
Shaheen Shah Afridi hails from a large and supportive family in Landi Kotal, a town in the Khyber Agency, Pakistan. Cricket runs in his blood, as his elder brother, Riaz Afridi, also represented Pakistan at the international level. Riaz’s involvement in cricket provided Shaheen with early exposure to the sport, fostering an environment that encouraged him to pursue a career in cricket.
Education
Shaheen received his early education in his hometown, Landi Kotal. While details about his formal education are sparse, it’s clear that his primary focus from a young age was on cricket. The local environment and community in Landi Kotal, known for their passion for the sport, played a crucial role in shaping his early cricketing ambitions.
Early Interest in Cricket
Shaheen’s interest in cricket began at a young age, where he played with a tennis ball, a common practice among young cricketers in Pakistan. The informal and passionate games in his neighborhood laid the foundation for his cricketing skills. Despite the lack of professional training facilities, his natural talent and enthusiasm for the game were evident.
Youth Career
Shaheen’s journey from playing tennis-ball cricket to hard-ball cricket began when his brother, Riaz Afridi, introduced him to hard-ball cricket during the FATA Under-16 trials in 2015. His impressive performance at these trials earned him a spot in the Under-16 team for a tour of Australia. During this tour, Shaheen showcased his potential by taking four wickets in the One-Day and Twenty20 series, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s victories.
Domestic Career
Teams Played For
First-Class Debut
Shaheen made his first-class debut for Khan Research Laboratories in the 2017–18 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. His debut was remarkable, as he took 8 wickets for 39 runs in the second innings, setting a record for the best figures by a Pakistani bowler on debut.
List A Debut
Shaheen’s List A debut came when he represented Baluchistan in the 2018 Pakistan Cup. His performances in this format further established his reputation as a promising fast bowler.
Twenty20 Debut
Shaheen made his T20 debut for the Lahore Qalandars in the 2018 Pakistan Super League (PSL). He quickly made a name for himself with a standout performance against the Multan Sultans, taking five wickets for just four runs and earning the player of the match award.
Notable Performances
One of Shaheen’s most notable early performances came in his first-class debut, where he took 8 wickets for 39 runs. This achievement was a record for the best bowling figures by a Pakistani bowler on debut, signaling his arrival on the domestic cricket scene.
Awards and Recognitions
Shaheen’s potential was recognized early by the International Cricket Council (ICC) when they named him the rising star of the squad in the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. His consistent performances in domestic cricket and the Under-19 World Cup showcased his ability to compete at higher levels.
International Career
International Debut
Test Debut
Shaheen made his Test debut for Pakistan against New Zealand on December 3, 2018.
ODI Debut
His ODI debut came earlier, on September 21, 2018, against Afghanistan during the Asia Cup.
T20I Debut
Shaheen debuted in T20I cricket for Pakistan on April 3, 2018, against the West Indies.
Major Achievements
One of Shaheen’s major achievements is becoming the fastest Pakistani bowler to take 100 wickets in ODIs. He accomplished this feat in just 51 matches, surpassing previous records and showcasing his consistent wicket-taking ability.
Key Performances
A standout performance in Shaheen’s international career was during the 2019 World Cup against Bangladesh. He took a five-wicket haul, becoming the youngest bowler to achieve this in a World Cup match, finishing with figures of 6/35. This performance not only highlighted his talent but also his ability to deliver under pressure on the world stage.
Records and Milestones
Shaheen was named the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year in 2021, a testament to his outstanding performances across formats. Additionally, he recorded the best bowling figures in a T20 match at the Rose Bowl, taking 6/19 against Bangladesh in Cricket World cup 2019.
Playing Style and Skills
Batting Style and Strengths
Shaheen is a lower-order left-handed batsman known for his powerful hitting. While primarily a bowler, his ability to contribute crucial runs in the lower order makes him a valuable asset to his team.
Bowling Style and Specialties
Shaheen specializes in left-arm fast-medium bowling. He is particularly known for his inswingers and deadly yorkers, which have troubled many top-order batsmen around the world. His ability to bowl at high speeds with accuracy makes him a formidable bowler in all formats of the game.
Fielding Abilities
Shaheen is a reliable fielder with a good track record of taking notable catches. His height and agility enable him to cover a lot of ground and make crucial stops in the field.
Signature Moves/Deliveries
Shaheen is best known for his lethal yorkers, which he delivers with precision, especially in the death overs. His inswingers are also a significant part of his bowling arsenal, often leading to bowled or LBW dismissals.
Stats and Records
Test Matches
Matches Played
Shaheen Afridi has participated in 29 Test matches since making his debut. Test matches are the longest form of cricket, often lasting up to five days, and they test a player’s endurance, skill, and consistency.
Runs Scored
In these matches, Shaheen has scored a total of 182 runs. While primarily known for his bowling, these runs contribute to his team’s total when batting in the lower order.
Batting Average
His batting average in Test cricket is 16.50.
Centuries/Half-Centuries
Shaheen has not yet scored any centuries or half-centuries in Test matches.
Wickets Taken
He has taken 91 wickets in Test cricket.
Bowling Average
His bowling average is 26.71. This statistic indicates that he gives away 26.71 runs, on average, for each wicket he takes.
Best Bowling
His best bowling performance in a single innings is 6 wickets for 51 runs. This means in one innings, he managed to dismiss six batters while conceding only 51 runs. This remarkable performance was against the West Indies in 2021, significantly contributing to Pakistan’s victory.
Notable Test Match Performances
- Against the West Indies (2021): In this match, Shaheen took 6 wickets for 51 runs in the second innings. His ability to consistently take wickets at crucial moments was pivotal in securing a dramatic victory for Pakistan.
- Against Sri Lanka (2022): Shaheen’s performance included taking 4 wickets for 58 runs. His effective bowling played a key role in limiting Sri Lanka’s score and ultimately setting up a win for Pakistan.
ODI Matches
Matches Played
Shaheen has played 53 One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Runs Scored
In these ODIs, Shaheen has scored a total of 196 runs.
Batting Average
His batting average in ODIs is 25.16, indicating his effectiveness in contributing useful lower-order runs when needed.
Centuries/Half-Centuries
Shaheen has not scored any centuries or half-centuries in ODIs.
Wickets Taken
He has taken 104 wickets in ODIs. His ability to take wickets regularly makes him one of the leading bowlers in this format.
Bowling Average
His bowling average is 23.94. This figure shows that he concedes just under 24 runs for every wicket he takes, reflecting his efficiency as a bowler.
Best Bowling
His best bowling figures in an ODI are 6 wickets for 35 runs. This outstanding performance occurred during the 2019 World Cup against Bangladesh, where he not only led his team to victory but also became the youngest bowler to take a five-wicket haul in World Cup history.
Notable ODI Match Performances
- Against Bangladesh (2019 World Cup): Shaheen’s 6 wickets for 35 runs was a standout performance. His bowling decimated the Bangladeshi batting lineup, leading Pakistan to a decisive victory and earning him a record as the youngest player to achieve a five-wicket haul in World Cup history.
- Against South Africa (2021): In this match, he took 3 wickets for 58 runs, playing a crucial role in Pakistan’s narrow win.
T20I Matches
Matches Played
Shaheen has played 64 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Runs Scored
He has scored a total of 101 runs in T20Is.
Batting Average
His batting average in T20Is is 11.22, which reflects his role primarily as a bowler who occasionally contributes with the bat.
Centuries/Half-Centuries
Shaheen has not scored any centuries or half-centuries in T20Is.
Wickets Taken
He has taken 88 wickets in T20Is, making him a crucial player in this format due to his ability to take wickets quickly and change the course of a game. Shaheen Shah Afridi is known as one of best bowlers who take wickets in the first over.
Bowling Average
Shaheen Shah Afridi bowling average is 20.42, meaning he concedes just over 20 runs for each wicket he takes.
Best Bowling
Shaheen Shah Afridi best performance in a T20I match is 4 wickets for 22 runs. This impressive feat occurred against South Africa in 2021, where his early breakthroughs set the tone for Pakistan’s victory. Moreover, Shaheen Afridi becomes the first bowler to reach 50 T20 wickets taken in the first over. What would be more interesting would be seeing how many times each bowler has bowled in the first over, and seeing if there are other bowlers with better rates of taking wickets in first overs.
Domestic and Other T20 Leagues
Shaheen is a leading wicket-taker and key player for the Lahore Qalandars in the PSL. His performances have been instrumental in their successes, including leading them to back-to-back PSL titles in 2022 and 2023.
Notable T20I Match Performances:
- Against South Africa (2021): Shaheen’s 4 wickets for 22 runs were crucial in securing a significant victory for Pakistan. His ability to take early wickets disrupted the South African batting lineup, giving Pakistan a decisive edge.
- Against India (2021 T20 World Cup): In this memorable match, Shaheen took 3 crucial wickets, including those of star players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. His outstanding performance led Pakistan to a historic 10-wicket victory over India, a landmark win in Pakistan’s cricket history.
Domestic and Other T20 Leagues
Shaheen Afridi is a leading wicket-taker and a key player for the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). His performances in the PSL have been instrumental in his team’s success. Notably, he has helped the Lahore Qalandars win back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023. His ability to take early wickets and effectively bowl during the death overs makes him one of the most valuable players in the league. His leadership qualities were also recognized when he was named the captain of the Lahore Qalandars, further showcasing his importance to the team.
Captaincy and Leadership
Captaincy Record
Shaheen Afridi is a well-known cricket captain. He led the Lahore Qalandars to win their first Pakistan Super League (PSL) title in 2022. He did it again by winning the PSL title in 2023. These wins made him a successful and respected captain. While he also became the T20 Captain of Pakistan Team but, unfortunately after a poor performance of Pakistan team against New Zealand, PCB decided to put Babar Azam as a captain of Pakistan squad for T20 World Cup 2024.
Leadership Style
Shaheen Afridi is known for his bold and motivating leadership. He sets a great example on the field by taking important wickets and making smart decisions. His ability to encourage and unite his team has been key to their success.
Notable Series Wins
PSL 2022:
Shaheen Shah Afridi captaincy Led Lahore Qalandars to their first PSL title.
PSL 2023:
Successfully Shaheen Shah Afridi defended the title, showing strong performance two years in a row.
Off the Field
Personal Life
Family
Shaheen Shah Afridi comes from a large family in the Khyber Agency, a tribal area in Pakistan. He is one of the youngest in a family of seven brothers. His elder brother, Riaz Afridi, also played cricket for Pakistan, representing the national team in a Test match in 2004. This cricketing lineage provided a strong foundation and inspiration for Shaheen’s own career.
Spouse/Partner
Beyond the cricket field, Shaheen’s personal life, particularly his relationship with his wife, Ansha Afridi, has garnered attention. Ansha, the daughter of former Pakistani cricket star Shahid Afridi, has played a significant role in Shaheen’s life and career. Their marriage, which united two prominent families in Pakistani cricket, has been a subject of immense interest for fans and media alike.
Children
Shaheen Afridi does not have any children reported.
Hobbies and Interests
Shaheen enjoys playing video games and spending time with his family when he is not playing cricket. Shaheen Shah Afridi is also very dedicated to staying fit. He spends a lot of time at the gym, working on his strength and fitness. Keeping himself in top physical shape is important for his cricket performance, and he enjoys the challenge of staying fit and healthy.
Philanthropy and Charity Work
Shaheen Afridi is involved in charity work through the Afridi Foundation, which helps with healthcare, education, and sports for the needy.
Controversies and Challenges
Major Controversies
In April 2024, Shaheen Shah Afridi was at the center of a significant controversy when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to replace him with Babar Azam as the captain of the Pakistan cricket team. This decision was not communicated to Afridi in a respectful manner, which led to his public displeasure. The PCB’s website published a statement with quotes attributed to Afridi that he did not make, further exacerbating the situation. Afridi’s reaction was one of fury and disappointment, highlighting the lack of proper communication and respect from the PCB. This incident stirred a lot of debate within the cricket community about the management and decision-making processes within the PCB.
Injuries
As a fast bowler, Shaheen Afridi has faced several minor injuries throughout his career. These injuries are typical for fast bowlers due to the physical strain their bodies endure. Notably, In the lead-up to the Asia Cup 2022, Shaheen Shah Afridi was struggling with a knee injury that kept him out of the tournament.
Comebacks
Despite these minor injuries, Shaheen Afridi has always come back strong and continued to perform well.
Legacy and Impact
Impact on the Game
Shaheen Shah Afridi has brought new energy to Pakistan’s fast bowling attack. His speed, accuracy, and consistent wicket-taking have made him a key player. He has inspired many young bowlers in Pakistan and around the world, becoming a role model for aspiring cricketers.
Inspirations and Mentorship
Shaheen Afridi looks up to Wasim Akram, a legendary Pakistani fast bowler, for inspiration. He is also mentored by Shahid Afridi, his father-in-law, who has guided him both on and off the field, helping him develop as a cricketer.
Quotes by/from Player
One of Shaheen Afridi’s memorable quotes is, “I always wanted to bowl fast and make Pakistan proud.“
Media and Endorsements
Media Appearances
Shaheen Afridi often appears on cricket talk shows and in interviews, where he shares his experiences and thoughts about the game. For example, he has been featured on popular Pakistani sports programs like “Game On Hai” and “Sports Lounge,” where he discusses his cricketing journey, challenges, and aspirations. These appearances help him connect with fans and offer insights into his career, making him more relatable and admired by cricket enthusiasts.
Endorsements
Shaheen Afridi endorses several brands, especially those related to sports equipment and clothing. He is associated with major brands like Pepsi, HBL, and Peshawar Zalmi’s merchandise. These endorsements reflect his popularity and influence, showing that brands trust him to represent their products. His partnership with these brands highlights his marketability and the high regard in which he is held both in Pakistan and internationally.
Future Plans
Post-Retirement Plans
After retiring from playing cricket, Shaheen Shah Afridi plans to stay involved in the sport. He is likely to become a coach or mentor, helping to guide and train young players. His passion for cricket and desire to contribute to the game’s development in Pakistan will drive him to take on roles where he can share his expertise and experience with aspiring cricketers.
Involvement in Cricket Post-Retirement
Shaheen Shah Afridi is expected to help develop cricket in Pakistan after his playing career ends. He will likely use his experience to support the national team, participate in cricket development programs, and mentor young talents. This involvement could include roles such as a bowling coach for the national team or running his own cricket academy. By doing so, he will ensure his legacy continues and that Pakistan remains a competitive force in international cricket.
Conclusion
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s journey from a promising young cricketer to an international star is marked by resilience, passion, and a commitment to excellence. His achievements, both on and off the field, have made him a key figure in modern cricket. As he continues to break records and set new benchmarks, his future endeavors will undoubtedly influence the sport positively, inspiring countless young athletes to follow in his footsteps.
