Cricket is a sport that has given birth to several legends who have etched their names in the history books. One such name is Shaheen Shah Afridi, a Pakistani cricket player who has taken the cricket world by storm with his exceptional talent and skills. Shaheen Shah Afridi is a young fast bowler who has already achieved tremendous success in a short span of time. In this article, we will explore the top 7 interesting facts about Shaheen Shah Afridi that make him one of the most exciting players in the cricketing world today.
1. Shaheen Shah Afridi was the highest wicket-taker as a youngster in the 2019 Cricket World Cup
Shaheen Shah Afridi had a phenomenal 2019 Cricket World Cup, where he was the highest wicket-taker for Pakistan as a teenager. Shaheen took 16 wickets in just five matches, including a four-wicket haul against New Zealand, and his impressive performances were one of the few bright spots for Pakistan in an otherwise disappointing tournament.
2. Shaheen Shah Afridi is the relative of former Pakistan captain and all-rounder Shahid Afridi
Shaheen Shah Afridi comes from a family of cricketers, as his uncle is the former Pakistan captain and all-rounder Shahid Afridi. Shahid Afridi is one of the most iconic cricketers in Pakistan’s history, and Shaheen has often cited his uncle as a source of inspiration and guidance in his cricketing career.
Despite being related, Shaheen Afridi and Shahid Afridi have different playing styles and skillsets. While Shahid Afridi was known for his aggressive batting and handy leg-spin, Shaheen Afridi is a left-arm fast bowler who has been impressive with his pace and swing. Both players have made significant contributions to Pakistani cricket and are highly respected by fans and fellow cricketers alike.
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3. Shaheen Afridi made his Twenty20 debut for Lahore Qalandars in the 2018 Pakistan Super League on 23 February 2018
Shaheen Afridi made his Twenty20 debut for Lahore Qalandars in the 2018 Pakistan Super League on 23 February 2018. It was a dream debut for the young fast bowler, as he picked up two wickets in his first over, dismissing the experienced batsmen Mohammad Hafeez and Eoin Morgan. He ended up with figures of 2 for 32 in his four overs, which helped Lahore Qalandars to register their first win of the tournament.
Shaheen’s impressive debut made him an instant hit among the fans and experts. His ability to swing the ball at a high pace and his accurate line and length made him a difficult bowler to face for any batsman. He was quickly labeled as the ‘next big thing’ in Pakistani cricket, and many predicted a bright future for him.
Shaheen continued to impress in the rest of the tournament, finishing as the leading wicket-taker for Lahore Qalandars. Shaheen’s performance in the 2018 Pakistan Super League earned him a call-up to the Pakistani national team, where he made his debut in the T20I series against the West Indies in April 2018. He continued to impress with his performances in international cricket, which led to his selection in the 2019 Cricket World Cup squad.
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4. Shaheen Afridi was named the Cricketer of the Year by the International Cricket Council
Shaheen Afridi was named the Cricketer of the Year by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2021. He was recognized for his exceptional performances in international cricket during the period of 2020-2021.
Shaheen had a fantastic year with the ball, picking up 39 wickets in 14 Test matches and 24 wickets in 14 One Day Internationals. His performances helped Pakistan to secure important victories in international cricket.
The ICC took note of Shaheen’s performances and awarded him with the prestigious award for the Cricketer of the Year. The award recognizes the best male and female cricketers across all formats of the game.
Shaheen was the first Pakistani player to receive the award since its inception in 2004. He was also named in the ICC Test Team of the Year for 2021, which further highlighted his exceptional performances in the longest format of the game.
5. Shaheen Afridi was honoured with an “honorary” Deputy Superintendent of the Police rank in the KPK Police as a goodwill ambassador
In July 2022, Shaheen Afridi was honoured with an “honorary” Deputy Superintendent of Police rank in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Police as a goodwill ambassador. The KPK Police made this decision to recognise Shaheen’s contributions to Pakistani cricket and to promote a positive image of the police force.
As a goodwill ambassador, Shaheen will be promoting the image of the KPK Police and will be involved in various activities and initiatives aimed at promoting peace and security in the region. The KPK Police hopes that Shaheen’s popularity and influence among the youth will help to create a positive impact in the community and encourage them to participate in initiatives aimed at promoting peace and security.
Shaheen expressed his gratitude towards the KPK Police and vowed to work towards creating a positive impact in the community. He stated that he is committed to promoting the image of the KPK Police and will work towards creating a safer and more secure environment for the people of KPK.
6. Shaheen Afridi: 3rd youngest pacer to take a 10-for in a Test match
In 2021, Shaheen Afridi became the third youngest fast bowler in Test cricket history to take a 10-wicket haul in a match. He achieved this feat during Pakistan’s tour of West Indies when he took 10 wickets in the second Test match held at Kingston, Jamaica.
Shaheen’s impressive bowling performance in the match helped Pakistan secure a 109-run victory over the West Indies. He took a total of 10 wickets for 94 runs in the match and was named the ‘Player of the Match’ for his remarkable achievement.
With this milestone, Shaheen joined the ranks of other legendary fast bowlers who have taken 10-wicket hauls in Test matches, such as Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. Shaheen’s remarkable achievement at such a young age is a testament to his talent and potential as a fast bowler, and he is sure to continue making waves in the world of cricket.
7. Shaheen Afridi signed with Middlesex to play in domestic matches in England
In October 2021, Shaheen Afridi signed a deal with Middlesex to play for the English county cricket club until July 2022. This was an exciting opportunity for the young Pakistani fast bowler to showcase his skills in a new environment and gain valuable experience playing against top-level cricketers.
Middlesex had been looking for a quality fast bowler to bolster their squad, and Afridi’s signing was seen as a major coup for the club. The deal meant that Afridi would be available to play in both the County Championship and the T20 Blast competitions, giving him plenty of opportunities to shine.
Afridi was excited about the prospect of playing in England, describing it as a dream come true. He hoped that the experience would help him improve his game and develop new skills.
In conclusion, Shaheen Shah Afridi is a rising star in the world of cricket, known for his impressive performances and outstanding talent. Throughout his career, he has achieved numerous milestones, broken records, and gained the admiration of fans all around the world. From his remarkable debut at the age of 17 to his outstanding performances in international tournaments, Shaheen Shah Afridi has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with. With his dedication, hard work, and natural talent, there is no doubt that he will continue to shine and make his mark in the world of cricket for years to come.