# Shahid Afridi

> Pakistani cricketer (born 1977)

**Wikidata**: [Q380445](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q380445)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shahid_Afridi)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shahid-afridi

## Summary
Shahid Afridi is a Pakistani cricketer born in 1977, known for his explosive batting style and leg-spin bowling. He gained international fame after scoring the fastest century in One Day International cricket history in 1996. Afridi has represented Pakistan in all formats of the game and is particularly remembered for his aggressive approach and match-winning performances.

## Biography
- Born: March 1, 1980 (based on Wikidata P569)
- Nationality: Pakistani
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: Explosive batting, leg-spin bowling, fastest ODI century
- Employer(s): Pakistan national cricket team, various domestic T20 franchises
- Field(s): Professional cricket

## Contributions
Shahid Afridi's most significant contribution to cricket was scoring the fastest century in One Day International history, reaching 100 runs off just 37 balls against Sri Lanka in 1996. He has represented Pakistan in over 500 international matches across all formats, taking more than 500 wickets and scoring over 10,000 runs. Afridi has played a pivotal role in numerous Pakistan victories, including the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 championship. He has also been a key player in various T20 leagues worldwide, including the Pakistan Super League, Indian Premier League, and Caribbean Premier League.

## FAQs
What is Shahid Afridi famous for?
Shahid Afridi is famous for his aggressive batting style, particularly for scoring the fastest century in ODI cricket history (37 balls) and for his leg-spin bowling that has taken over 500 international wickets.

Which teams has Shahid Afridi played for?
Afridi has played for the Pakistan national cricket team in all formats, as well as for various domestic and T20 franchise teams including Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi Kings, and Hampshire.

What awards has Shahid Afridi received?
He has received the Pride of Performance award and the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, Pakistan's third-highest civilian award, recognizing his contributions to cricket.

When did Shahid Afridi make his international debut?
Afridi made his ODI debut for Pakistan on October 2, 1996, against Kenya, where he scored his record-breaking century.

What is Shahid Afridi's playing style?
Afridi is known for his aggressive batting approach, often playing high-risk shots, and his leg-spin bowling, which has been effective in all formats of the game.

## Why They Matter
Shahid Afridi matters in cricket history as one of the most explosive and entertaining players of his generation. His record-breaking 37-ball century revolutionized ODI batting and inspired a more aggressive approach to the format. Afridi's all-round abilities made him a crucial player for Pakistan across three decades, contributing to major victories including the 2009 T20 World Cup. His longevity and success in T20 leagues worldwide helped popularize the format and paved the way for cricketers to have international careers beyond their national teams.

## Notable For
- Fastest ODI century (37 balls) in 1996
- Over 500 international wickets across all formats
- More than 10,000 international runs
- Key player in Pakistan's 2009 ICC World Twenty20 victory
- Recipient of Pride of Performance and Sitara-i-Imtiaz awards
- Played in multiple successful T20 franchise teams globally
- Represented Pakistan for over two decades (1996-2018)

## Body
### Early Career and Breakthrough
Shahid Afridi made his international debut for Pakistan on October 2, 1996, in an ODI against Kenya. In this match, he scored a blistering 102 runs off just 37 balls, setting the record for the fastest century in ODI cricket history. This innings, played with a borrowed bat from Waqar Younis, announced Afridi's arrival on the international stage and established his reputation as an explosive batsman.

### International Career
Afridi represented Pakistan in all three formats of international cricket from 1996 to 2018. In ODIs, he played 398 matches, scoring 8,064 runs at a strike rate of 117.00 and taking 395 wickets. In Test cricket, he appeared in 27 matches, contributing 1,716 runs and 48 wickets. His T20 International career spanned 99 matches, where he scored 1,405 runs and claimed 97 wickets. Afridi's all-round abilities made him a valuable asset in all formats, particularly known for his ability to change the course of a match with both bat and ball.

### Major Achievements
Afridi's career highlights include being part of Pakistan's 2009 ICC World Twenty20 winning team, where he played a crucial role with both bat and ball. He has the distinction of being one of only four players to score more than 8,000 runs and take over 300 wickets in ODIs. Afridi also holds the record for the most sixes hit in international cricket across all formats. His performances in pressure situations, particularly in the 1999 Test match against Australia where he scored a century and took five wickets, demonstrated his ability to deliver in crucial moments.

### T20 Franchise Career
Beyond international cricket, Afridi became a prominent figure in T20 franchise cricket. He played for numerous teams including Hampshire in England, various teams in the Indian Premier League (though his IPL career was limited), and was a key player in the Pakistan Super League for Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi. Afridi's aggressive batting and wicket-taking abilities made him a sought-after player in T20 leagues worldwide, helping to establish his global brand and influence the development of T20 cricket.

### Playing Style and Impact
Afridi's playing style was characterized by aggressive batting, often taking on bowlers from the first ball, and leg-spin bowling that relied on variations and surprise. His approach to batting, particularly in the early part of his career, influenced a generation of cricketers to adopt a more aggressive mindset in limited-overs cricket. As a bowler, his leg-spin provided Pakistan with a wicket-taking option in the middle overs, and his fielding was notable for his athleticism and direct hits.

### Recognition and Awards
Throughout his career, Afridi received significant recognition for his contributions to cricket. He was awarded the Pride of Performance by the Government of Pakistan, one of the country's highest civilian awards. In 2018, he received the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, Pakistan's third-highest civilian honor, acknowledging his services to cricket and his role in promoting Pakistan internationally through sport.

### Legacy and Influence
Afridi's legacy extends beyond his statistics. He is remembered as one of Pakistan's most charismatic cricketers, known for his passionate celebrations and never-say-die attitude. His ability to perform under pressure and his longevity in the game, playing international cricket for over two decades, set an example for younger players. Afridi's aggressive style helped shape the evolution of limited-overs cricket, particularly in the subcontinent, and his success in T20 leagues contributed to the globalization of the format.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [Source](http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/42639.html)
4. [Source](http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/4/4163/4163.html)
5. [Source](https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1271720209657630720)
6. [Shahid Afridi tests positive for Covid-19. ESPN. 2020](https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29305647/shahid-afridi-tests-positive-covid-19)
7. Quora
8. YouTube API