Shahid Afridi Debut, Biography, Stats, Net Worth, Wife, IPL Team, Records, Career
Few cricketers have captured the imagination of fans like Shahid Afridi. He is also known to millions as “Boom Boom Afridi”, as he redefined aggressive batting and brought unparalleled talent. With his incredible charisma with the bat, ball and bat, Afridi is one of the most beloved and unpredictable figures in world cricket.
Early Life And Background
Shahid Afridi hails from the Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency, part of Pakistan’s tribal areas. Known for his Pathan roots, Afridi was raised in a large family and was passionate about cricket from a young age. His natural aggression and hand-eye coordination made him stand out even in his teens.
Afridi entered the international scene at just 16, becoming an overnight sensation with his fearless playing style. Over the years, he has represented many domestic and international teams. We can distinguish his performances from Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL to Deccan Chargers and Hampshire abroad.
Shahid Afridi’s Debut And Early Career
Afridi made his One Day International (ODI) debut for Pakistan against Kenya on October 2, 1996. However, it was his second ODI match against Sri Lanka that made him a global superstar.
Batting as a pinch-hitter at number three, Afridi scored a century in just 37 balls, which remained the fastest ODI century in history for over 17 years. That innings marked the beginning of the arrival of a once-in-a-generation cricketer who is raw, explosive and fearless. Afridi’s Test debut came against Australia in October 1998, where he showcased his all-round ability by taking five wickets in an innings. He also made his T20 International debut in 2006, later becoming one of the pioneers of the format.
Career Statistics
Batting And Fielding
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 27 | 48 | 1 | 1716 | 156 | 36.51 | 1973 | 86.97 | 5 | 8 | 220 | 52 | 10 | 0 |
| ODIs | 398 | 369 | 27 | 8064 | 124 | 23.57 | 6892 | 117.00 | 6 | 39 | 730 | 351 | 127 | 0 |
| T20Is | 99 | 91 | 12 | 1416 | 54* | 17.92 | 944 | 150.00 | 0 | 4 | 103 | 73 | 30 | 0 |
| First-Class (FC) | 113 | 185 | 4 | 5695 | 164 | 31.46 | – | – | 12 | 31 | – | – | 78 | 0 |
| List A | 501 | 467 | 31 | 10881 | 124 | 24.95 | – | – | 8 | 58 | – | – | 153 | 0 |
| T20s | 329 | 279 | 38 | 4399 | 101 | 18.25 | 2858 | 153.91 | 1 | 10 | 326 | 252 | 97 | 0 |
Bowling
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 27 | 47 | 3194 | 1709 | 48 | 5/52 | 5/43 | 35.60 | 3.21 | 66.5 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| ODIs | 398 | 372 | 17670 | 13632 | 395 | 7/12 | 7/12 | 34.51 | 4.62 | 44.7 | 4 | 9 | 0 |
| T20Is | 99 | 97 | 2168 | 2396 | 98 | 4/11 | 4/11 | 24.44 | 6.63 | 22.1 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| First-Class (FC) | 113 | – | 13657 | 7098 | 266 | 6/101 | – | 26.68 | 3.11 | 51.3 | – | 8 | 0 |
| List A | 501 | – | 22377 | 17253 | 510 | 7/12 | 7/12 | 33.82 | 4.62 | 43.8 | 5 | 11 | 0 |
| T20s | 329 | 323 | 6994 | 7907 | 347 | 5/7 | 5/7 | 22.78 | 6.78 | 20.1 | 9 | 2 | 0 |
Captainship And Leadership
Afridi’s leadership career was as dramatic as his playing style. He first led Pakistan in 2009 and later led the team to the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 semi-final and the 2011 ICC World Cup semi-final. His ability to inspire players and his emotional connection with the fans made him a respected leader. Under his captaincy, Pakistan played bold cricket. And Afridi’s leadership style became the defining style of the national team in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Notable Records And Achievements
- Fastest ODI century (37 balls): A record that stood for 17 years.
- Most sixes in ODIs (351): Still one of the most sixes.
- Youngest player to score an ODI century (16 years, 217 days).
- Only player to score 8000+ ODI runs and take 350+ wickets.
- Player of the Tournament: ICC World Twenty20 2007.
- Captain of Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup winning team.
- One of the few players to play 500+ international matches for Pakistan.
Afridi’s name is synonymous with entertainment, and his aggressive brand of cricket made him a global T20 sensation. In the franchise circuit as well, he played in leagues in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, etc.
Shahid Afridi in Franchise And League Cricket
Over the years, Afridi has played for a long list of local and international franchises:
- PSL teams: Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, Quetta Gladiators
- IPL teams: Deccan Chargers (2008)
- BPL: Dhaka Gladiators, Rangpur Riders
- CPL: Jamaica Tallawahs, St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots
- Others: Hampshire, Melbourne Renegades, Toronto Nationals, Gayle Gladiators
His time in the IPL with the Deccan Chargers during the 2008 season was short-lived, but his influence remained.
Net Worth And Brand Value
As of 2025, Shahid Afridi’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million (Rs. 250+ crore). His sources of income include:
- Franchise league contracts (PSL, BPL, CPL)
- Endorsements (Pepsi, Head & Shoulders, Huawei, etc.)
- His personal business ventures
- Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF)
Afridi also remains a public figure, appearing in campaigns, charity games, and cricket commentary panels.
Personal Life: Wife And Family
Shahid Afridi is married to his maternal uncle’s sister, Nadia Afridi. The couple have five daughters, and Afridi has often expressed his deep love for his family. In a touching twist, his daughter Ansha Afridi married Pakistan’s star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi. Afridi’s family maintains a strong presence in public life, often supporting his charity and sporting initiatives.
Retirement And Legacy
Afridi announced several retirements throughout his career. He began with Tests in 2006, then again in 2010, and finally from international cricket in 2018. But his legacy lives on through franchise cricket and the work of his foundation. Even in retirement, Afridi continues to inspire young cricketers with his attitude and passion for cricket. His name still echoes in the stadiums whenever a batsman swings wildly for a six, and that boom boom legacy is a legacy.
Conclusion
Shahid Afridi’s story is not just about runs and wickets; it’s about passion, unpredictability and charisma. From a record-breaking teenager to a global T20 icon, his journey is one of the most colourful chapters in cricket. Whether you like his fearless batting or his infectious energy, Afridi will always be the heartbeat of Pakistan cricket. Even years after his retirement, Boom Boom Afridi is a symbol of what fans really love about the game – passion, courage and joy.
Read More: Shaheen Afridi Debut, Biography, Stats, Net Worth, Wife, IPL Team, Records, Career
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When did Shahid Afridi make his international debut?
Afridi made his ODI debut against Kenya on October 2, 1996. Two days later, he created history by scoring the fastest ODI century (37 balls) against Sri Lanka. This is a record that made him a household name overnight.
Q2. What is Shahid’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Shahid Afridi’s estimated net worth is around $30 million. He earns his income through cricket leagues, brand endorsements, and business ventures. His foundation, SAF, also plays a significant role in building his public image as a philanthropist.
Q3. Who is Shahid Afridi’s wife and family?
Shahid is married to Nadia Afridi, and they have five daughters. His daughter Ansha Afridi is married to Pakistani fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Q4. Did Shahid Afridi play in the IPL?
Yes, Afridi played for Deccan Chargers during the inaugural season of IPL in 2008. However, after that, Pakistani players were not allowed to enter the league. Despite his short tenure, Afridi remained very popular among Indian cricket fans.
Q5. What are Shahid Afridi’s most notable records?
- Fastest ODI century (37 balls) for almost two decades.
- Over 8,000 ODI runs and 395 wickets, one of the rare double achievements in cricket.
- Most sixes in ODIs (351), which is a symbol of his power-hitting.
- T20 World Cup-winning captain in 2009.
- Player of the Tournament in the 2007 T20 World Cup.
