Shahid Khan Afridi: The Life and Career of Pakistan’s ‘Boom Boom’ All-rounder

Shahid Khan Afridi, also known as Boom Boom Afridi and Lala, is a former Pakistani cricketer and captain of the Pakistan national cricket team . He was born on March 1, 1977, in Tirah, Khyber Agency, Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Pakistan (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan). Afridi was an all-rounder, a right-handed leg spinner, and a right-handed batsman. He made his ODI debut in 1996 against Kenya and his Test debut against Australia in 1998. Afridi was named player of the tournament of the 2007 T20 World Cup and player of the match in the final of the 2009 T20 World Cup. He retired from international cricket in 2016.

Early life and career

• He was born in Tirah, a mountainous region in the northwest of Pakistan, and belonged to a Pashtun tribe.
• He started playing cricket at the age of 11 and was discovered by a talent scout in Karachi.
• He made his ODI debut in 1996 as a leg spinner, but soon became famous for his explosive batting.
• He scored the fastest ODI century in history (37 balls) in his first international innings against Sri Lanka.
• He made his Test debut in 1998 against Australia and scored a century in his maiden Test match.
• He became a regular member of the Pakistan team in all formats and established himself as a match-winner with his all-round skills.
• He captained Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup and led them to the semi-finals.
• He retired from Test cricket in 2010, from ODIs in 2015, and from T20Is in 2016.

International career

• He played 27 Tests, 398 ODIs, and 99 T20Is for Pakistan from 1996 to 2016.
• He scored 1716 runs and took 48 wickets in Tests, 8064 runs and 395 wickets in ODIs, and 1416 runs and 98 wickets in T20Is.
• He holds the record for the fastest ODI century (37 balls), the most sixes in ODIs (351), and the most wickets in T20Is (98).
• He was the player of the tournament in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the player of the match in the final of the 2009 T20 World Cup, both of which Pakistan won.
• He captained Pakistan in 19 Tests, 38 ODIs, and 43 T20Is, winning 11, 18, and 19 matches respectively.
• He retired from Test cricket in 2010, from ODIs in 2015, and from T20Is in 2016, but continued to play in various T20 leagues around the world.

Bowling style

Afridi is a right-arm fast-medium bowler who relies on his pace and swing to take wickets. He has a good outswinger and a slower ball that he uses to deceive batsmen. He is also capable of bowling yorkers and bouncers.

Afridi has been a successful bowler for Pakistan at both the international and domestic level. He has taken over 350 wickets in international cricket and over 500 wickets in domestic cricket. He has also been a key player in Pakistan’s success in the ICC World Twenty20, where he has taken 21 wickets in 17 matches.

Afridi’s bowling has been praised by many cricket experts, including former Australian cricketer Shane Warne. Warne has said that Afridi is one of the best fast bowlers in the world and that he has the potential to be one of the greatest bowlers of all time.

Afridi’s bowling has also been criticized by some cricket experts, who have said that he is too erratic and that he bowls too many wides and no-balls. However, Afridi’s supporters argue that his pace and swing make him a valuable asset to any team.

Overall, Afridi is a talented bowler who has had a lot of success at both the international and domestic level. He is a key player for Pakistan and he is one of the most exciting bowlers in world cricket.

Batting style

Shahid Afridi’s batting style is aggressive and attacking. He is a left-handed batsman who plays in the top order. He is known for his powerful hitting and his ability to score quickly. He is also a good fielder and a useful bowler.

Afridi has scored over 10,000 runs in international cricket. He has also scored over 100 centuries and over 300 half-centuries. He is the only player in the world to have scored a century in all three formats of international cricket.

Afridi is also the fastest batsman to score a century in ODI cricket. He achieved the feat in just 37 balls against Sri Lanka in 1996. He is also the only batsman to have scored two double centuries in ODI cricket.

Afridi’s batting style has been criticized by some for being too reckless. He has often been accused of throwing his wicket away when he gets set. However, his supporters argue that his aggressive batting style is what makes him such a dangerous batsman.

Afridi’s batting style has helped him to become one of the most successful cricketers in the world. He is a true all-rounder who has made a significant contribution to Pakistan cricket.

Personal life

Shahid Afridi married Nadia Afridi in 2012. They have three children together, two sons and a daughter.

Afridi is a devout Muslim and has been outspoken about his faith. He has said that he prays five times a day and that he believes that Islam is the only true religion.

Afridi is also a philanthropist and has donated money to various charities. He has also been involved in promoting education and awareness about the dangers of polio.

In 2014, Afridi was named as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine.

Awards and achievements

Afridi has won numerous awards and achievements throughout his career. These include:

• ICC Men’s T20I Player of the Year (2007)
• ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade (2011)
• ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year (2009)
• ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade (2010)
• ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year (2009)
• ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Decade (2010)
• ICC World Cup Player of the Tournament (2011)
• Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (2011)
• Leading run-scorer in T20I cricket (with 1416 runs)
• Leading wicket-taker in T20I cricket (with 98 wickets)

Afridi was also named in the ICC Test Team of the Year in 2007 and 2009, and in the ICC ODI Team of the Year in 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2011.

In 2015, Afridi was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.

Shahid Afridi Net worth

Shahid Afridi net worth is estimated at $47 million USD (this figure may vary), making him Pakistan’s 2nd richest cricketer. He earned through cricket, endorsements, & his philanthropic foundation.

Legacy

Shahid Khan Afridi is considered one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of cricket. He is the only player to have scored over 10,000 runs and taken over 500 wickets in ODI cricket. He is also the only player to have scored a century and taken a five-wicket haul in the same ODI match. Afridi is also one of the most popular cricketers in the world, and he is credited with helping to popularize cricket in Pakistan and around the world.

Afridi’s legacy is also marred by controversy. He has been accused of being a hot-head and has been involved in several on-field incidents. He has also been criticized for his lack of fitness and his inconsistent performances. However, despite these criticisms, Afridi remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of cricket.

Afridi’s legacy is also reflected in the number of records he has set. He is the only player to have scored a century and taken a five-wicket haul in the same ODI match. He is also the only player to have scored a century and taken a hat-trick in the same T20I match. Afridi is also the only player to have scored a century and taken a wicket in the same Test match.

Afridi’s legacy is also reflected in the number of awards he has won. He has won the ICC ODI Player of the Year award twice, in 2004 and 2007. He has also won the ICC T20I Player of the Year award once, in 2009. Afridi has also been named in the ICC World XI a record six times.

Afridi’s legacy is also reflected in the number of records he has broken. He is the highest run-scorer in ODI cricket for Pakistan, with over 10,000 runs. He is also the highest wicket-taker in ODI cricket for Pakistan, with over 500 wickets. Afridi is also the fastest batsman to reach 1000 runs in ODI cricket, doing so in just 27 innings.

Afridi’s legacy is also reflected in the number of records he has set for Pakistan. He is the only Pakistani player to have scored a century and taken a five-wicket haul in the same ODI match. He is also the only Pakistani player to have scored a century and taken a hat-trick in the same T20I match. Afridi is also the only Pakistani player to have scored a century and taken a wicket in the same Test match.

Afridi’s legacy is also reflected in the number of awards he has won for Pakistan. He has won the ICC ODI Player of the Year award twice, in 2004 and 2007. He has also won the ICC T20I Player of the Year award once, in 2009. Afridi has also been named in the ICC World XI a record six times.

Overall, Shahid Khan Afridi is one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of cricket. He is a true legend of the game, and his legacy will continue to be remembered for many years to come.

FAQs

What is Shahid Khan Afridi’s batting style?

Afridi is a right-handed batsman who plays in an aggressive manner. He is known for his powerful hitting and has scored several centuries in international cricket.

What is Shahid Khan Afridi’s bowling style?

Afridi is a right-arm medium-fast bowler who has taken over 500 wickets in international cricket. He is also a useful lower-order batsman.

What is Shahid Khan Afridi’s highest score in international cricket?

Afridi’s highest score in international cricket is 160 against Sri Lanka in 2013. He scored the innings at a strike rate of 146.66 and hit 14 sixes and 10 fours.

How many wickets has Shahid Khan Afridi taken in international cricket?

Afridi has taken 544 wickets in international cricket across all formats. He is the third-highest wicket-taker for Pakistan in ODIs and the second-highest wicket-taker for Pakistan in T20Is.

What is Shahid Khan Afridi’s legacy in cricket?

Afridi is one of the most popular and successful cricketers in the world. He is a role model for many young cricketers and has inspired a generation of players. He is also a philanthropist and has worked to promote peace and education in Pakistan.