Shaheen Shah Afridi is Pakistan's premier fast bowler, renowned for his explosive pace and match-winning performances across all formats. In 2026, he remains a key figure in the team's bowling attack.
Shaheen Shah Afridi serves as the leading fast bowler for Pakistan’s pace department, often acting as the team’s primary wicket-taking threat. His rise to fame came in the 2019 Cricket World Cup during a match against Bangladesh, where he claimed five wickets at just 19 years old. This achievement made him the youngest bowler ever to take a five-wicket haul in World Cup history. Since then, he has been a consistent selection for Pakistan across all formats. His reputation stems from his ability to deliver consistently at speeds near 140 km/h and his unerring accuracy, making him a formidable challenge for opposing batters. Born on April 6, 2000, in Landi Kotal, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi developed a passion for cricket at an early age. Despite facing limited resources in his rural community, his dedication to the sport remained unwavering, driving him to relentless practice. His upbringing in a rural environment nurtured resilience and a disciplined work ethic, both of which became defining traits in his cricketing journey. Education took a secondary role as his focus remained firmly on cricket. Shaheen Shah Afridi is a Muslim, most likely belonging to the Sunni sect, which aligns with Pakistan’s majority population. While no official records confirm his specific caste, he is part of the Zakhakhel sub-tribe within the Afridi clan, a well-known Pashtun group native to Pakistan’s Khyber region. His formative years were shaped by a deep love for cricket and a tight-knit family that provided unwavering support throughout his career. Details about Shaheen Shah Afridi’s father, Ayaz Khan, are scarce beyond his name. No other personal information regarding him is publicly available at this time. Similarly, information about Shaheen Shah Afridi’s mother is entirely absent; neither her name nor any other personal details have been documented in verified sources. Shaheen Shah Afridi has six brothers, though only one has been publicly identified so far. His older brother is Riaz Afridi, a former Pakistani cricketer who participated in a Test match for the national team in 2004. During Shaheen’s early cricketing days, Riaz played a crucial mentoring role. Shaheen Shah Afridi does not have any sisters, as confirmed by multiple credible accounts, meaning all his siblings are male. A verified Facebook presence for Shaheen Shah Afridi does not exist, as searches for his name on the platform yield no authentic account. Should he establish one in the future, updates will be provided accordingly. Initially, Shaheen Shah Afridi wore the jersey number 40, but he now represents Pakistan across formats with the number 10 jersey. This choice honors the legacy of his father-in-law, Shahid Afridi. Shaheen Shah Afridi is married to Ansha Afridi, daughter of the iconic Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi. The couple exchanged vows in a grand ceremony on February 3, 2023. Beyond knowing that Ansha Afridi is the daughter of Shahid Afridi, no further details are available about her. Shaheen Shah Afridi tends to maintain a low profile regarding his personal life. Shaheen Shah Afridi has built substantial wealth through cricket-related earnings, including match fees and contractual agreements. His central contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is valued at approximately PKR 1.25 million per month, translating to around $100,000 annually. During the 2023-24 Pakistan Super League (PSL) season, his earnings from the league were approximately $170,000. He also secures endorsement deals with major brands, collectively worth PKR 1–2 crore (roughly $233,000). Based on these figures, his estimated net worth stands at about $7 million. Shaheen Shah Afridi made his international debut for Pakistan on April 3, 2018, in a T20I match against the West Indies held in Karachi. His One Day International (ODI) debut followed on September 21, 2018, during a match against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. He concluded his introduction to Test cricket on December 3, 2018, in a Test match versus New Zealand. In 2025, he was selected to lead Pakistan’s bowling attack during the Asia Cup. In Test cricket, Shaheen Shah Afridi has featured in 31 matches, claiming 116 wickets from 53 innings at an average of 27.88, including his best bowling performance of 6/51. His economy rate in this format is 3.14, with twelve instances of taking four wickets in an innings, four five-wicket hauls, and one ten-wicket match haul. In ODIs, he has taken 127 wickets in 64 appearances at an average of 24.37, with a best performance of 6/35. Shaheen Shah Afridi has been a fixture in the Pakistan Super League since 2017, representing Lahore Qalandars. In 84 matches for the franchise, he has secured 122 wickets at an average of 20.31, with a best bowling return of 5/4. His economy rate in the PSL is 7.97, along with three instances of taking four wickets in an innings and two five-wicket hauls. Shaheen Shah Afridi has established himself as a standout cricketer at the international level. He received the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year award in 2021, becoming the first Pakistani to claim the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy. In the following year, he made history by becoming the youngest captain to win the PSL title. In 2024, he was honored with the PSL Best Bowler Award, and in 2025, he became the tournament’s top wicket-taker while also leading his team to victory, further cementing his status as the league’s most successful captain with three championship titles (2022, 2023, and 2025). Shaheen Shah Afridi is a professional Pakistani cricketer celebrated for his blistering pace, swing bowling, and game-changing performances across all formats. What is Shaheen Shah Afridi’s age and birth date? As of 2026, he is 25 years old, and his birthday is observed every year on April 6. What is Shaheen Shah Afridi’s height? Shaheen Shah Afridi stands at 6 feet 5 inches (1.99 meters) tall. What is Shaheen Shah Afridi’s net worth and salary? His estimated net worth is approximately $7 million. What is Shaheen Shah Afridi’s jersey number? He wears the number 10 jersey for Pakistan across all formats. What are Shaheen Shah Afridi’s career achievements? All images included are for editorial purposes only and are licensed solely through Getty/Source.