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Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Shah Afridi is a Pakistani international cricketer who plays as a left-arm fast bowler.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Shaheen Shah Afridi is a Pakistani international cricketer who plays as a left-arm fast bowler. He has represented Pakistan in all three formats and has also captained Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League. He is widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s leading pace bowlers of his generation.

Early life and background

Shaheen Shah Afridi was born on 6 April 2000 in Khyber Agency, Pakistan. He is from a Pashtun family and is the younger brother of cricketer Riaz Afridi.

Domestic and franchise career

Afridi rose through Pakistan’s domestic pathway and became a prominent player for Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League. He later captained the franchise and helped them win multiple PSL titles.

International career

Afridi made his ODI debut in September 2018 and his Test debut later that year. He has since become one of Pakistan’s leading pace bowlers across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.

Recognition and captaincy

Afridi won the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year award for 2021. He was also appointed Pakistan’s T20I captain in November 2023 before stepping down from that role ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Key facts

  • Shaheen Afridi is a left-arm fast bowler for Pakistan in all three formats.
  • He made his international debut in 2018 in ODIs and Tests.
  • He won the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year award for 2021.
  • He captained Lahore Qalandars to their first PSL title in 2022 and later titles.
  • He served as Pakistan’s T20I captain from November 2023 until stepping down before the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Shaheen Afridi?
He is a Pakistani international cricketer who plays as a left-arm fast bowler.
When was Shaheen Afridi born?
He was born on 6 April 2000.
Which teams has Shaheen Afridi played for?
He has played for Pakistan, Lahore Qalandars, and Pakistan Under-19s, among other domestic and franchise teams.
What is Shaheen Afridi’s bowling style?
He bowls left-arm fast.
Has Shaheen Afridi won major awards?
Yes. He was named ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year for 2021.
Has Shaheen Afridi captained a team?
Yes. He has captained Lahore Qalandars and was also appointed Pakistan’s T20I captain in 2023.

References

  1. International Cricket Council — https://www.icc-cricket.com/rankings/66833/shaheen-afridi
    Supports: Player profile, role, batting and bowling style, age, and career details
  2. Pakistan Cricket Board — https://www.pcb.com.pk/player/shaheen-shah-afridi-46778.html
    Supports: Full name, date of birth, birthplace, and major teams
  3. Cricket Australia — https://www.cricket.com.au/players/CA:637/shaheen-afridi
    Supports: Personal details, playing style, and franchise career information
  4. CricX — https://crex.com/player/shaheen-afridi-IZ
    Supports: Captaincy, PSL achievements, and ICC award summary
  5. NDTV Sports — https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/players/108785-shaheen-afridi-playerprofile
    Supports: Debut information and ICC award recognition