At the age when most cricketers think about retirement, cricket fans are curious about a Pakistani player who made his Test debut in his late thirties. Asif Afridi has seen a dramatic spike in Google searches, trending with over 20,000 searches on October 20. The cricketer, who has made a name for himself in domestic cricket, has been both a star and a controversial figure, even facing a ban in 2022.
Asif Afridi: The Pak player everyone is curious about
The 38-year-old left-arm spinner finally made his Test debut for Pakistan during the second Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi. Pakistan handed Asif Afridi his Test cap on Monday. At 38 years and 299 days, he has become the third-oldest cricketer to debut for Pakistan in Test cricket.
Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s star pacer, personally handed him the cap. Asif Afridi has now replaced Hasan Ali in the playing XI and will play alongside Noman Ali and Sajid Khan in Pakistan’s spinner lineup. While it is rare for cricketers in their late thirties to join the main squad, the team’s decision to pick Afridi over Abrar Ahmed was based on his consistent domestic performances. After winning the last match by 93 runs, Pakistan is currently leading the two-match series 1-0.
Who is Asif Afridi?
Born in Peshawar, Asif has played 57 first-class matches, taking 198 wickets, including 13 five-wicket hauls. His signature left-arm spin has made him one of the most popular figures in the domestic tournaments.
In 2022, Asif Afridi faced two charges, according to AFP. He was accused of failing to report a corrupt approach. Asif was banned by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for six months. He was found to be involved in spot-fixing cases in domestic cricket. Out of a one-year ban, he served six months and was soon allowed back. PCB did not officially explain why the rest of the ban was lifted.
Asif Afridi is now the third-oldest player to debut in Tests for Pakistan. The record is held by Miran Bakhsh, who debuted at 47 years and 284 days against India in 1955. Amir Elahi, who played Tests for both India and Pakistan, debuted for Pakistan at 44 years and 45 days in 1952.
On the global front, the oldest Test debutant was James Southerton, who played for England at 49 years and 119 days in 1877. Ed Joyce of Ireland debuted at 39 years and 231 days.
Pakistan’s Playing XI
In the second Test, Pakistan’s lineup included:
Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Asif Afridi.
South Africa’s playing XI included Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Senuran Muthusamy, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada.
