• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Shaheen Afridi Hails Asif Afridi As True Pakistan Cricket Hero During Test Cap Ceremony

Shaheen Afridi hails Asif Afridi as 'true Pakistan cricket hero' during Test cap ceremony

Akshita Patel

Shaheen Afridi hands over debut cap to Asif [Source: @dhillow_/X.com]Shaheen Afridi hands over debut cap to Asif [Source: @dhillow_/X.com]

In a touching moment, star pacer Shaheen Afridi presented the Pakistan Test cap to spinner Asif Afridi ahead of the second Test against South Africa. Shahene referred to Asif as a true inspiration for his perseverance.

Asif has scripted history by becoming the second-oldest player to debut in Test cricket for Pakistan. The 38-year-old was handed the Test cap on day 1 of the Rawalpindi Test.

Shaheen Afridi recalls sweet memories with debutant Asif Afridi 

To honour Asif Afridi’s memorable Test debut, Shaheen Afridi was asked to hand over the debut cap to the 38-year-old. In a video released by PCB, the pacer praised Asif for his dedication and perseverance throughout his career.

Shaheen recalled his early memories when Asif was in his prime and shared how he used to run to the ground to watch him play.

“When Asif Afridi was in his prime, I used to go to the ground with my brother to watch his matches, and honestly, it was a lot of fun. Since that time, he has been very hardworking and never gave up. He kept performing consistently in domestic cricket — in the National T20 and the PSL. You truly deserve the Pakistan cap — congratulations,” Shaheen said.

Asif Afridi has taken a long and inspiring path to become an international cricketer. 

A prominent presence in the domestic circuit of Pakistan and having played for the FATA Region, Afridi has 198 wickets in his first-class record, coming in 57 matches with an economy of 2.92, and has taken 13 five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket match performances.

His standout moment in recent domestic cricket was during the Hanif Mohammad Trophy 2025-26 when he was the highest wicket-taker with 33 wickets from five games at an economy of 2.33.

Pakistan opt for a 3-1 combination

As revealed by head coach Azhar Mahmood, Pakistan have decided to go with a 3 spinner and 1 pacer combination for the second Test against South Africa at Rawalpindi.

38-year-old Asif Afridi is making his Test debut, replacing veteran pacer Hasan Ali. He will support Noman Ali and Sajid Khan in the spin attack, while Shaheen Afridi will be the lone pace option for Pakistan.