Shahid Afridi became only the fourth Pakistani cricketer to receive the Hilal-e-Imtiaz. Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi was awarded the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz on Wednesday, receiving Pakistan’s second highest civilian honor for his services to cricket and long service to the national team.The award was presented by Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari during a ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr, recognizing Afridi’s international achievements.
Watch
Vinesh Phogat controversy: WFI breaks silence, explains rules
Fourth Pakistani cricketer to receive Hilal-e-Imtiaz
The recognition made Afridi only the fourth Pakistani cricketer to receive the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, joining a select list that includes Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Abdul Hafeez Kardar.Afridi’s award was also in recognition of one of the most influential white-ball careers in Pakistan’s history. In 524 international matches, he built a reputation as one of cricket’s most explosive all-rounders.He remains one of Pakistan’s most watched ODI players and has played 398 matches. He has scored 8,064 runs in the format, including six hundreds and 39 fifties, while taking 395 wickets – underscoring his rare value as a match-winner with both bat and ball.The 2009 triumph that defined a legacyAfridi’s most iconic contribution came during Pakistan’s winning run at the ICC World Twenty20.In the final against Sri Lanka at Lord’s Cricket Ground, Afridi faced the pressure, scoring an unbeaten 54 off 40 balls to guide Pakistan to a memorable championship victory.This all-round display remains one of the defining performances in Pakistan’s T20 history.The star of the franchise around the worldBeyond the national side, Afridi’s influence has extended to global franchise cricket. He has represented teams in Pakistan Super League, Big Bash League, Indian Premier League, Caribbean Premier League and several other competitions.At the age of 46, Afridi’s latest honor serves as recognition of a career that has spanned generations.
