Shahid Afridi was born on March 1, 1977. His birthplace is Khyber Agency, Pakistan. He grows up in a Pashtun family. Additionally, his tribe is Afridi. Family includes six brothers. Two brothers play cricket too. Tariq and Ashfaq join him. Furthermore, his grandfather fights in wars. He earns the title Ghazi-e-Kashmir.
Cricket Career
Afridi discovers cricket early. His uncle introduces the sport. Imran Khan motivates him greatly. Then, he shines in under-19 matches. He takes 42 wickets quickly. Karachi Whites win titles. Consequently, selectors notice his talent. He made his ODI debut in 1996 when Pakistan played against Kenya. In the following match, he came to bat and scored a century in just 37 balls. This achievement set a record right away. The fans were very excited and cheered a lot. Also, he hit 11 sixes in that game. Pakistan won the match by 82 runs.
Test and t20 rise
Afridi enters Test cricket in 1998. Australia opposes him. He grabs five wickets. Then, he scores 141 against India. This happens in 1999. Additionally, he plays T20Is from 2006. England challenges him there.
Shahid Afridi Achievements
He achieves many milestones. In 2007 T20 World Cup, he stars. Pakistan reaches the final. However, they lose narrowly. Then, in 2009, he leads to victory. He scores 54 unbeaten. He takes key wickets. Consequently, Pakistan lifts the trophy. Afridi bowls brilliantly too. He claims 7 for 12 once. This targets West Indies. Moreover, he reaches 4,000 runs. He takes 300 wickets. In 2011 World Cup, he grabs 21 wickets. Pakistan advances to semi-finals.
Leadership and Challenges
Captaincy Roles
Selectors appoint him captain. He leads T20Is from 2009. Younis Khan retires then. Additionally, he captains ODIs in 2010. He scores two centuries in Asia Cup. Pakistan wins the tournament. However, he retires from Tests soon. He cites temperament issues. Shahid Afridi faces many ups and downs. He loses ODI captaincy in 2011. Misbah-ul-Haq replaces him. Then, he returns as T20 captain. In 2016, Pakistan exits early. Consequently, he steps down. Sarfraz Ahmed succeeds him.
Shahid Afridi Personal Life
He marries Nadia, his cousin. They welcome five daughters. Aqsa comes first. Then Ansha, Ajwa, Asmara, Arwa follow. Moreover, Ansha marries Shaheen Afridi. This happens in 2023. Family bonds strengthen him.
Shahid Afridi Foundation
Afridi starts philanthropy work. He founds Shahid Afridi Foundation. It builds schools and hospitals. Additionally, he fights polio. He joins vaccination drives. Forbes lists him as charitable. He ranks with Ronaldo.
Controversies and Legacy
Controversies shadow him sometimes. He reveals true age in 2019. Book Game Changer explains it. Moreover, he comments on Kashmir. This sparks debates. However, fans forgive quickly.
Afridi retires multiple times. He quits Tests in 2010. Then ODIs in 2015. T20Is follow in 2016. Additionally, he plays leagues till 2018. Hampshire benefits from him. His legacy endures strongly. He hits most sixes often. Records inspire bowlers too.
Post-Cricket Life
Ventures and Mentorship
Afridi lives vibrantly now. He opens eateries abroad. Additionally, he mentors young talents. Fans remember his flair. Boom Boom echoes forever. His life teaches perseverance. Moreover, it shows passion wins.
Global Influence
He influences cricket globally. Rashid Khan copies him. Afghanistan calls him their Afridi. Consequently, his story motivates. Youngsters dream big. Afridi proves dreams come true. His journey amazes everyone. From tribal areas to stardom. He overcomes challenges boldly.