Shahid Afridi is one of those names everyone knows, be it a cricket fanatic or not! Whether it may be a small kid who loves playing street cricket or an older cricket fanatic who has followed every match Pakistan’s cricket team has played. Despite the ups and downs ‘Boom Boom Afridi’ has had during his career, ‘Lala’ is one of the most loved and respected cricketers who has made tremendous contributions to the game.
To celebrate his achievements and for everything he has done for Pakistani cricket, here are 10 amazing facts about Shahid Afridi you probably didn’t know.
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1. His First ODI Performance & First Cricket Record were at the Age of 16
Afridi has had luck on his side from day 1. In 1996, merely at the age of 16, he made his debut in the world of cricket. He was the leg-spinner replacement for the injured Mushtaq Ahmed during the four-nation Sameer Cup 1996-97 against Kenya.
The very next day, against Sri Lanka, Boom Boom broke the record for the fastest century in ODI cricket with just 37 balls, including 11 sixes, making another record of the most 6s in an ODI innings.
2. Boom Boom used Sachin Tendulkar’s bat for his Fastest ODI Century
When he was flown-in to bat in place of Ahmed, he did not have his own cricket bat at the time. Waqar Younis gave him Tendulkar’s bat to use in the match against Sri Lanka, his second career match. With 11 6s, in just 37 balls, he became the fastest ODI century title holder.
3. Lux Style Award Winner
For his good looks, charm, charisma and his sophisticated taste in fashion, Lala won the Lux Style Award for ‘Most Stylish Sportsmen’ in 2007 & 2011. He really knows how to carry himself, whether it be in the field or out on the streets.
4. Main Hoon Shahid Afridi is a Tribute to the Cricketer
The movie ‘Main Hoon Shahid Afridi’ is a Pakistani movie inspired by the cricketer. The story is about a small boy who wants to follow the path full of dedication and honesty like his idol, Shahid Afridi. The audience loved every bit of the emotional roller-coaster, gaining it a massive amount of positive reviews.
5. He has one of the Worst Batting Averages
With a batting average of 23.31, he is amongst the 87 batsmen who have more than 4,000 runs in ODI matches.
6. Lala’s Bowling Average was Second Worst
Despite being able to take more than 250 wickets in ODI, out of 22 bowlers, Afridi’s bowling average of 33.68 was considered as the second-worst average.
