Shahid Afridi Honored with Hilal-e-Imtiaz for Cricket Achievements

Shahid Afridi Receives Prestigious Award

Shahid Afridi, the former captain of Pakistan's white-ball cricket teams and an all-rounder, was awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the second-highest civilian honor in Pakistan, on May 13. This recognition celebrates his significant contributions to the sport of cricket. Afridi's international career spanned from 1996 to 2015, during which he represented Pakistan in over 500 matches across all formats. He joins the ranks of cricket legends like Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis as the fourth cricketer to receive this prestigious award. The medal was presented to him by President Asif Ali Zardari at a ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Afridi's Reflections on the Award

In a statement shared on X, Afridi expressed his gratitude for receiving the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, describing it as a significant honor that reflects not only his personal achievements but also those of the Pakistani populace. He dedicated this accolade to the martyrs of Pakistan, honoring those who sacrificed their lives for the nation. Afridi emphasized that this award symbolizes the love, prayers, and unwavering support he received from fans throughout his cricketing journey.

Afridi's Cricketing Journey

Shahid Afridi made his ODI debut against Kenya on October 2, 1996, where he bowled 10 overs without taking a wicket and did not get a chance to bat. However, in his second ODI match against Sri Lanka on October 4, he made headlines by scoring a remarkable century in just 37 balls, finishing with 102 runs off 40 balls, including six fours and 11 sixes. Over his extensive ODI career, Afridi played 398 matches, accumulating 8,064 runs and taking 395 wickets. He also participated in 99 T20I matches, scoring 1,416 runs and claiming 98 wickets, along with 27 Test matches where he scored 1,716 runs and took 48 wickets.