LAHORE – Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi was awarded the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s second-highest civilian honour, by Asif Ali Zardari during a ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Wednesday. The award was conferred in recognition of Afridi’s outstanding services to Pakistan cricket, his contributions to international and county cricket, and his continued role in promoting the sport globally. He was also acknowledged for his leadership in the World Championship of Legends and for playing a pivotal role in Pakistan’s historic triumph at the 2009 ICC World Twenty20.
One of Pakistan’s most celebrated cricketers, Afridi enjoyed a distinguished international career spanning more than two decades. The explosive all-rounder represented Pakistan in 398 One-Day Internationals, scoring 8,064 runs, including six centuries and 39 half-centuries, while also claiming 395 wickets with nine five-wicket hauls.
In T20 Internationals, Afridi featured in 99 matches, scoring 1,416 runs and taking 98 wickets, establishing himself as one of the pioneers of aggressive cricket in the shortest format. His dynamic style of play and match-winning performances earned him immense popularity among cricket fans around the world.
Afridi also made his mark in franchise cricket, representing teams in major leagues including the Pakistan Super League, Indian Premier League, Big Bash League, Caribbean Premier League, Bangladesh Premier League and Lanka Premier League. Among the defining moments of his career was Pakistan’s victory in the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 final against Sri Lanka national cricket team, where Afridi produced a memorable all-round performance. He scored an unbeaten 54 off 40 balls, striking two fours and two sixes, and also picked up a wicket to guide Pakistan to the title. The Hilal-e-Imtiaz adds another landmark achievement to Afridi’s illustrious career and recognises his enduring contribution to Pakistan cricket and sports.
