Full Name: Shaheen Shah Afridi Date of Birth: April 6, 2000 Birthplace: Landi Kotal, Khyber Agency, Pakistan Position: Frontline pace bowler, strike weapon in all formats Standing tall at 6’6”, Shaheen Shah Afridi is the face of Pakistan’s new pace generation — a lethal left-arm fast bowler who brings raw pace, swing, and aggression to the crease. Born in the tribal region of Landi Kotal near the Afghanistan border, Shaheen’s rise to international fame is one of grit, talent, and national pride. He is the youngest of seven brothers, including Riaz Afridi, a former Pakistan cricketer, who mentored him from a young age. Shaheen burst onto the scene during the 2016 U-19 World Cup, where his high pace and tall frame immediately drew comparisons to legends like Wasim Akram and Mitchell Starc. He made his international debut in 2018 at just 18, showcasing maturity far beyond his years. His ODI debut came against Afghanistan, followed by his Test debut against New Zealand later that year. Shaheen’s bowling is a potent mix of speed, bounce, and late swing. He is capable of dismantling batting lineups with the new ball and returning in the death overs to finish the job. In the 2019 Cricket World Cup, he became the youngest player ever to take a five-wicket haul in a World Cup match, ending the tournament with 16 wickets from just five games. One of his most iconic performances came during the 2021 T20 World Cup, where he rattled India’s top order with a devastating spell, dismissing Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli — a performance etched in the hearts of Pakistani fans forever. His roar, his energy, and his celebration after every wicket became a symbol of Pakistan's resurgence in world cricket. Shaheen has also led the pace attack in red-ball cricket, delivering match-winning spells in Tests against South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. His 10-wicket match haul against the West Indies in 2021 cemented his place as one of the world's elite pacers. He was appointed Pakistan's T20I vice-captain in 2022 and has captained Lahore Qalandars to back-to-back PSL titles in 2022 and 2023, earning admiration for his leadership skills, tactical intelligence, and passion for developing young talent. Off the field, Shaheen is a quiet and humble personality, deeply attached to his roots. In 2023, he married Ansha Afridi, the daughter of Pakistan legend Shahid Afridi, linking two generations of cricketing legacy. He is known for his respect toward seniors and love for the game, often crediting his family and mentors for keeping him grounded. With his fiery pace, relentless attitude, and hunger for wickets, Shaheen Shah Afridi is more than just Pakistan’s spearhead — he is a flagbearer of a cricketing nation that thrives on its fast-bowling legacy.