Shaheen Afridi: Rising Star of Pakistani Cricket

Shaheen Shah Afridi, often referred to as “Shaheen Afridi,” is one of the most promising fast bowlers in international cricket. Born on April 6, 2000, in Landi Kotal, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, Shaheen has quickly risen through the ranks to become a key player for Pakistan in all formats of the game. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 6 inches, his height, pace, and ability to swing the ball make him a nightmare for batsmen worldwide.
This comprehensive biography covers his early life, education, cricket career, personal life, social media presence, net worth, and unique aspects of his journey.
Shaheen Afridi Early Life and Education
Shaheen Afridi was born into a Pashtun family in Landi Kotal, a town near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. His father, Ayaz Khan, was a former club cricketer, which inspired Shaheen and his brothers (including fellow cricketer Riaz Afridi) to pursue cricket.
Schooling and Early Cricket Training
- Shaheen attended a local school in Landi Kotal but soon shifted his focus entirely to cricket.
- He trained at the FATA Development Team and later joined the Under-16 regional team.
- His talent was spotted early, and he was selected for the Pakistan U-19 team in 2016.
Despite limited formal education, Shaheen’s dedication to cricket was evident from a young age.
Cricket Career
Domestic Career
Shaheen made his First-Class debut for Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) in 2017. His breakthrough performance came in the 2017-18 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, where he took 8 wickets for 39 runs, the best figures by a Pakistani bowler on first-class debut.
Pakistan Super League (PSL)
- 2018: Debuted for Lahore Qalandars and quickly became a star.
- 2020 & 2021: Played a crucial role in Lahore Qalandars’ success.
- 2023: Helped Lahore Qalandars win back-to-back PSL titles.
Shaheen Afridi International Career
Test Debut (2018)
- Made his Test debut against New Zealand in December 2018.
- Became the youngest fast bowler to take a five-wicket haul in a World Cup (2019).
ODI & T20I Career
- ODI Debut: April 2018 vs West Indies.
- T20I Debut: April 2018 vs West Indies.
- 2019 ICC World Cup: One of Pakistan’s standout performers.
- 2021 T20 World Cup: Key bowler for Pakistan.
- 2022 T20 World Cup: Played a crucial role in Pakistan’s journey to the final.
Records & Achievements
- Youngest bowler to take a 5-wicket haul in a World Cup match (19 years old).
- Fastest Pakistani to 100 ODI wickets (in 51 matches).
- First bowler to take 3+ wickets in the first over of a T20I match.
Social Media Presence
Shaheen Afridi is highly active on social media, engaging with millions of fans worldwide.
Platform | Handle | Followers (as of 2024) |
@shaheenafridi10 | 5M+ | |
Twitter (X) | @iShaheenAfridi | 2M+ |
Shaheen Afridi Official | 3M+ |
He often shares training clips, match highlights, and personal life updates.
Shaheen Afridi Personal Life
- Marriage: Shaheen married Shahid Afridi’s daughter, Ansha Afridi, in February 2023. The wedding was a grand event attended by Pakistani cricketing stars.
- Brothers: His elder brother, Riaz Afridi, also played for Pakistan.
- Hobbies: Enjoys football, watching movies, and spending time with family.
Shaheen Afridi Net Worth (2024 Estimate)
Shaheen Afridi’s net worth is estimated at $5 million, earned through:
- PCB Central Contract: Category A (approx. $200,000/year).
- PSL & T20 Leagues: Earns $170,000+ per season.
- Brand Endorsements: Partnerships with Pepsi, Head & Shoulders, and others.
- Social Media Promotions: Sponsored posts.
Unique Facts About Shaheen Afridi
- Tallest Pakistani Fast Bowler: At 6’6”, he uses his height for extra bounce.
- Hat-Trick in T20 World Cup: First Pakistani to take a T20 World Cup hat-trick (2021 vs Bangladesh).
- Youngest to Lead Lahore Qalandars: Captained his PSL team at just 22.
- Nicknamed “The Eagle”: Due to his aggressive bowling style.
- Philanthropy: Supports underprivileged cricketers in tribal areas.
Future Prospects
Shaheen Afridi is seen as the future leader of Pakistan’s bowling attack. With age on his side, he has the potential to break multiple records and become one of Pakistan’s greatest fast bowlers.
Challenges Ahead
- Managing fitness (has faced knee injuries).
- Consistency across all formats.
- Leading Pakistan’s pace attack in upcoming ICC events.
Conclusion
Shaheen Afridi’s journey from a small town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to becoming a global cricket sensation is truly inspiring. His dedication, skill, and humble personality make him a fan favorite. As he continues to grow, the world can expect even greater achievements from this young pace sensation.