Second oldest Pakistani cricketer, Asif Afridi makes Test debut

RAWALPINDI: Left-arm spinner Asif Afridi received his maiden Test cap on Monday ahead of the second Test against South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. At 38 years of age, he is the second oldest player to have debuted for Pakistan. Miran Bakhsh aged over 47 years was the first one to have made this achievement, back in 1955.

Asif Afridi was presented with Pakistan’s 260th Test cap by star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi in a heartwarming ceremony shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on its official social media platforms.

While presenting the cap, Shaheen Afridi recalled watching Asif play during his early days in domestic cricket, saying that when Asif Afridi was in his prime, Shaheen would go with his brother to watch his matches. He added, “Since that time, he has been very hardworking and never gave up. He kept performing consistently in domestic cricket, in the National T20 and the PSL. You truly deserve the Pakistan cap. Congratulations.”

A veteran of Pakistan’s domestic circuit, Asif has represented the FATA Region and built a solid reputation as a reliable and consistent performer. His first-class record includes 198 wickets in 57 matches at an economy rate of 2.92, with 13 five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket match hauls. He was also the standout bowler in the Hanif Mohammad Trophy 2025–26, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 33 wickets in five matches at an economy rate of 2.33.

His debut comes as Pakistan look to seal the two-match Test series, having taken a 1-0 lead after a commanding 93-run victory over South Africa in the opening Test. Defending a target of 277, Pakistan bowled out the visitors for 183 in just 60.5 overs, thanks to match-winning efforts from spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, alongside Shaheen Afridi.

Following the Test series, Pakistan and South Africa will face off in a three-match T20I series from October 28 to November 1, followed by a three-match ODI series from November 4 to 8, as part of the ongoing international home season.