Shahid Afridi Received Hilal e Imtiaz for Services to Pakistan Cricket

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi was honoured with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz at a ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Wednesday, with President Asif Ali Zardari presenting the award in recognition of his contributions to the national side and the sport overall.

Afridi’s career spanned over two decades, during which he featured prominently across all formats. His performances in international cricket, along with involvement in global T20 leagues and English county competitions, were cited among the reasons for the recognition. He also held a leadership role in the World Championship of Legends.

Career Record and Impact

Afridi represented Pakistan in 398 ODIs, scoring 8,064 runs and taking 395 wickets. His record includes six centuries, 39 half-centuries and multiple match-winning spells with the ball. In T20 internationals, he played 99 matches, contributing 1,416 runs and 98 wickets.

He was also active in franchise cricket, appearing in competitions such as the Pakistan Super League, Big Bash League and Caribbean Premier League, among others. His presence across leagues added to his profile as one of Pakistan’s most experienced all-rounders.

Role in 2009 World T20 Triumph

Afridi was a central figure in Pakistan’s title-winning campaign at the ICC World Twenty20 2009. In the final against the Sri Lanka national cricket team, he produced an unbeaten half-century and claimed a wicket to help secure the trophy.

His contribution in that tournament remains one of the defining moments of his international career and was highlighted as part of his overall service to Pakistan cricket.