Veteran India cricketers wish Shahid Afridi on his birthday

Former big-hitting Pakistani batsman Shahid Afridi turned 38 today. Born in 1980 in Khyber Agency, Federally Administered Tribal Areas in Pakistan, Shahid Afridi went on to become a household soon after he made his foray into international cricket. He is one of the most prolific cricketers to have graced the sport of cricket.

Afridi had to face several obstacles and hardships, but that didn’t stop him from prospering. The dynamic right-hander subsequently made his debut for Pakistan debut at a young age of 16 in 1996 against Kenya in the Sameer Cup. However, his debut didn’t exactly turn out to be a glitzy affair as Afridi didn’t get to bat and returned without any wickets.

He, however, took everyone by surprise in his next match as he was sent in as a pinch hitter against Sri Lanka and hit a 37 ball century which included 11 sixes, another record. He broke Sanath Jayasuriya’s record of an ODI century in 48 balls and his record stood till Corey Anderson hit a 36 ball century against West Indies.

While the political turmoil between India and Pakistan is no secret, Afridi shares a good relationship with the veteran Indian cricketers. Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is one his first friends in the circuit. Another such admirer and friend of Afridi is Mohammad Kaif. The duo also extended the courtesy and sent warm wishes to Afridi on Twitter.

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Highlights from Afridi’s career

Shahid Afridi enjoyed a long and illustrious career where he captained Pakistan to the semi-finals of 2011 World Cup. He was also adjudged the Man of the Series in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 and in the next edition he led Pakistan to victory.

Fondly known as ‘Boom Boom Afridi’ for his six-hitting prowess and turning the tide of the game in his favour, Afridi holds the record of most number of sixes, 476, in international cricket. Afridi is also the highest wicket-taker in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) with 97 wickets.