In a heartwarming ceremony, star pacer Shaheen Afridi presented the Pakistan Test cap to spinner Asif Afridi ahead of the second Test against South Africa. Shaheen expressed admiration for Asif, describing him as a true embodiment of perseverance.
At the age of 38, Asif has made history by becoming the second-oldest player to debut in Test cricket for Pakistan, receiving his cap during the first day of the Rawalpindi Test. Shaheen recalled fond memories of watching Asif play during his prime and highlighted his dedication to cricket.
In a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board, Shaheen reflected on how he and his brother used to eagerly attend matches featuring Asif. He praised Asif’s longstanding commitment to the game, noting, “He kept performing consistently in domestic cricket — in the National T20 and the PSL. You truly deserve the Pakistan cap — congratulations.”
Asif Afridi’s journey to international cricket has been marked by remarkable persistence. A well-known figure in Pakistan’s domestic circuit, he has played for the FATA Region and boasts an impressive first-class record of 198 wickets from 57 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 2.92. His recent standout performance came during the Hanif Mohammad Trophy 2025-26, where he emerged as the top wicket-taker with 33 wickets across five games at an exceptional economy of 2.33.
In strategic news for the ongoing Test series, head coach Azhar Mahmood confirmed that Pakistan has opted for a bowling combination of three spinners and one pacer for the second Test. Asif Afridi will bolster the spin attack alongside Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, while Shaheen Afridi stands as the sole pace option for the team.
This significant moment not only marks Asif’s long-awaited debut but also embodies the spirit of determination and hard work in sports, reminding fans and aspiring cricketers alike that it’s never too late to achieve their dreams.