[VIDEOS/PICTURES] The evergreen Shahid Afridi!

[MenInG]

I cannot think of another player, other than Shahid Afridi, in modern cricket who has the ability to interest you long past his retirement!

Thank you Afridi for keeping on entertaining us.

[JibranAnsari]

people bash amir for retiring at 27 , afridi retired at 16 and still loved.

[kingusama92]

This man doesn't age.

[SensiblePakFan]

Interesting helmet....

[MenInG]

Gone for 12 but look at his helmet change to sight the ball better!

[Saj]

Struggled today.

I wonder if the end of his career is not far away.

[angrypathan]

When does he turn 17?

[Mueez]

Afridi

[Deewana Mastana]

His batting stance has changed drastically

[Deewana Mastana]

When does he turn 17?

Next month

[MenInG]

Afridi doing his thing today.

[JattMaula]

Brave revolution in helmet style by Lala. Challenging pacers to bounce him!

Not at all afraid for his life. True Pathan.

[JattMaula]

Struggled today.

I wonder if the end of his career is not far away.

Nooooo say it isn't so!

[Mesozoic]

Oh my god he's still playing?

[Saj]

This is what he said in the interview with PP a few months ago:

"I’m nearly done with cricket and we are nearly at the end of what has been an incredible and long journey. I’ve played a lot of cricket, travelled all around the world, played with and against many great players, played in some fantastic venues and have achieved a lot in my career, but I need to start giving more time to upcoming projects which are away from the cricket field. All good things come to an end and that end is not too far away."

[JattMaula]

This is what he said in the interview with PP a few months ago:

"I’m nearly done with cricket and we are nearly at the end of what has been an incredible and long journey. I’ve played a lot of cricket, travelled all around the world, played with and against many great players, played in some fantastic venues and have achieved a lot in my career, but I need to start giving more time to upcoming projects which are away from the cricket field. All good things come to an end and that end is not too far away."

Tabdeeli Season 2. Ft. Lala

[QalandarFan]

Hopefully he plays one last season of the PSL before he retires!

What a career it's been though 25 years, of professional cricket as an all-rounder now that's something!

[SensiblePakFan]

He is still bowling well enough for t20 cricket, i see no reason for him to retire now.

[QalandarFan]

He is still bowling well enough for t20 cricket, i see no reason for him to retire now.

Maybe because he's close to 45 years old and he wants to move on with his life. He only plays in PSL now anyways it's very hard to be in form and ready to play professional cricket for one month a year, so I think PSL 6 will be the end of his storied career.

[TeamPak95]

Say what you want about this man, you never left the television screen whenever he was batting or bowling especially batting... although doing so would've probably had your heart in your mouth! My favourite player ever and the reason I started following and cheering for Pakistan. Lala forever

[Rana]

Afridi is goals. The guy is probably 45 but he still looks fitter than most of us who are in our late 20s and 30s. I pray that I stay as fit as this guy until I am 43-45.

[ahmadharis1]

Legendary player. I was lucky enough to watch him play in Canada last year. After the match he took the time to go around the entire ground and meet with fans in the stands and shake their hands and take selfies.

[BunnyRabbit]

Kallis, Ponting, Hussey, Vaas, Symonds, Akhtar, Younis.

All of the similar age. Only Afridi is the one who is still playing.

Afridi is not a player. He is a brand. Regardless of how awful his dismissals were, he has a presence which is still very much there.
I guess 2021 season would be his last if the current one isn't.

He is not the same bowler he used to be.

[Rana]

Legendary player. I was lucky enough to watch him play in Canada last year. After the match he took the time to go around the entire ground and meet with fans in the stands and shake their hands and take selfies.

I remember once me and my friends were waiting in a crowd for the Pakistan team at lords after a game. Afridi was the last to appear for pictures and autographs and the crowd went nuts as usual, but he missed us guys and was about to head off to the team bus. My friend started screaming “Shahid Bhai aapne Vaada kiya tha” (Shahid bhai you promised to give us an autograph), the guy literally stopped for a second facing away from everyone and he said to himself, “Maine zindagi main kisi ladki se vaada nahi kiya, tumse kaise Kar liya”

But he turned around and took a picture with my friend who was screaming for that autograph. This was in 2010 btw, and Afridi did kind of promise to meet all the fans after the game during the pre match warm up session.

[BunnyRabbit]

Sadly, people who started following cricket esp pakistan's from 2010s won't know what his presence was. In terms of batting 1997-2005. A brief purple patch in 2009-10.
Bowling from 2007-2012.

[Mamoon]

Afridi practically retired in 2016 when he finally hung his Pakistan boots. Over the last 4 years, he has only played on for his fans.

However, I think this is definitely going to be his final season. Expect an official announcement after the PSL final.

I am in a tangle because I hate Multan because of Masood and Tareen family but would love to see Afridi bow out with the trophy.

He won the PSL in 2017 with Zalmi but missed the final because of injury.

[Hasan123]

Lol he hasn't changed in the last 4/5 years. I think he may play the next season and retire after that.

[Bullet Drive]

Maybe because he's close to 45 years old and he wants to move on with his life. He only plays in PSL now anyways it's very hard to be in form and ready to play professional cricket for one month a year, so I think PSL 6 will be the end of his storied career.

He played BPL and will now play Sri Lanka T20 league.

[QalandarFan]

He played BPL and will now play Sri Lanka T20 league.

Oh wow didn't know that thought he was only playing PSL now but I still believe the next PSL will be his last cricketing venture.

[QalandarFan]

Afridi practically retired in 2016 when he finally hung his Pakistan boots. Over the last 4 years, he has only played on for his fans.

However, I think this is definitely going to be his final season. Expect an official announcement after the PSL final.

I am in a tangle because I hate Multan because of Masood and Tareen family but would love to see Afridi bow out with the trophy.

He won the PSL in 2017 with Zalmi but missed the final because of injury.

He'll play one last season most likely because he will retire from cricket during the PSL and he's lined up to play the SPL in 2 weeks so I doubt this would be his last season. But yeah man I'm rooting for him to go out with the trophy and a MOTM performance in the final as the cherry on the top.

[SensiblePakFan]

He deserved a wicket there, hafeez dropped twice of his bowling

[MenInG]

Captain Afridi?

[shah_1]

ATG T20 player

[trickyone]

Two main wickets, single handedly won the game for Multan Sulta

[MenInG]

ATG T20 player

Amazing!

[SensiblePakFan]

Amazing!

Continues to live up to the name, legend

[Saj]

Superb spell today of 4-18-2

Kept it simple and threw in a nice array of varieties.

Could have had a couple more wickets.

[SensiblePakFan]

And only brought out the 10 celebration for Ben Dunk

[shah_1]

He will easily fit in all time T20 team as a second spinner, and a batsmen who can create impact at 7. No better option than him.

[HappyWarsFan]

He's still a better spinner than Shadab.

[MenInG]

And only brought out the 10 celebration for Ben Dunk

and here it is

[SensiblePakFan]

What a lovely sight on a Sunday afternoon.

[Shoaibbtt]

I just wish Afridi comes back for 1-2 odi series just to capture 400 odi wickets.

[Shoaibbtt]

And only brought out the 10 celebration for Ben Dunk

What a ball that was!!! Honestly Afridi still has it.

[King_Kohli]

Afridi still bowling better than many other international youngsters.

[MenInG]

Ok so he isnt a superman!

[MenInG]

Haris Rauf "Shahid Afridi is a senior player and I had planned that if I got his wicket, then I would apologise in this way" #LQvMS #PSL5
(Pic via Lahore Qalandars) pic.twitter.com/gYlkSAmsmT

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) November 15, 2020

[Colorblind Genius]

He moved too early, (that many Pakistani batsmen tend to do, thus giving the bowler time to adjust his delivery) - but then Afridi also received one peach of a delivery. It was sorta reminiscent to Waqar-isque trademark yorker.

[Saj]

He was unlucky with the dismissal

But yet another golden duck for the legend

[Pacy with wisdom]

Felt sad when he got bowled today. Wish he was 15 years younger. Would have been interesting to see that Afridi today.

[Zaz]

Afridi doing with the bat what afridi does best

[Sohaib]

He was unlucky with the dismissal

But yet another golden duck for the legend

Not the biggest of Shahid Afridi's fan but how was that unlucky? The ball he got first right upfront could have gotten even the best of batsmen out. It was more of great delivery than Afridi's deteriorating and declining form.

[Zaz]

Not the biggest of Shahid Afridi's fan but how was that unlucky? The ball he got first right upfront could have gotten even the best of batsmen out. It was more of great delivery than Afridi's deteriorating and declining form.

Lol he missed a straight full toss Hardly a world beating delivery

It practically hit the stumps on the full Ive no idea why afridi is continuing to embarass himself like this Retire with dignity man Whats the need to carry on?

[JattMaula]

Lol he missed a straight full toss Hardly a world beating delivery

It practically hit the stumps on the full Ive no idea why afridi is continuing to embarass himself like this Retire with dignity man Whats the need to carry on?

He was the best bowler in the match.

[Colorblind Genius]

He was the best bowler in the match.

Plus, the ball he got bowled with, was perhaps the best ball of the match.

[Zaz]

He was the best bowler in the match.

He got bowled by a low full toss first ball

All this is besides the point Hes 42-43 in reality Why is he dragging out his career like this?

[Saj]

Not the biggest of Shahid Afridi's fan but how was that unlucky? The ball he got first right upfront could have gotten even the best of batsmen out. It was more of great delivery than Afridi's deteriorating and declining form.

See the smiley next to the post.

[shah_1]

He got bowled by a low full toss first ball

All this is besides the point Hes 42-43 in reality Why is he dragging out his career like this?

He is still good enough as a bowler alone

[Sohaib]

Lol he missed a straight full toss Hardly a world beating delivery

Not sure if you understand the terminology of straight full toss and the difference between an inswinging yorker.

[SensiblePakFan]

Mutual respect.

[Saj]

He'll continue to take wickets here and there, but the batting is even less than once in a blue moon these days

[ElRaja]

dont think many 45 year old could have dealt with that pace. afridi is a t20 legend regardless of where or how his career ends.

[Local.Dada]

Afridi and Gayle are still box office. Probably the last 2 guys from the previous gen still having enough In them to come up with the odd nostalgic performance.

Gayle is 42 and Afridi on paper is 38 (+ 5-6 yrs)

[Shaddy86]

Afridi and Gayle are still box office. Probably the last 2 guys from the previous gen still having enough In them to come up with the odd nostalgic performance.

Gayle is 42 and Afridi on paper is 38 (+ 5-6 yrs)

40 on paper + 5

[Zaz]

Not sure if you understand the terminology of straight full toss and the difference between an inswinging yorker.

I dont think you do

A full toss is one that passes the batsman on the full without bouncing like this did

A yorker is one that more or less bounces on the return crease going under the batsmans bat - this didnt

It wasnt unplayable - he made a total mess of it n played all round it

[SensiblePakFan]

Just when you think things cant get more bizarre at his age, He's named Captain of the Galle Gladiators

[MenInG]

Shahid Afridi today in the Lanka Premier League - 58 off 23 balls including 3 fours and 6 sixes #LPLT20 #Cricket pic.twitter.com/mBbCtOlP2u

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) November 27, 2020

[SensiblePakFan]

Got the mandatory 1 innings per tournament out of the way early

[Mobashir]

He is probably still the best limited over all rounder in Asia at the age of 44.

It tells you a lot about how good he is and also how bad Asian all rounders are.

[Colorblind Genius]

Got the mandatory 1 innings per tournament out of the way early

Yet he still gets invited by premier T20 leagues.
You may wonder why the investors and owners of those teams are so stupid to waste their money on him?

[Thunderbolt14]

Yet he still gets invited by premier T20 leagues.
You may wonder why the investors and owners of those teams are so stupid to waste their money on him?

It’s not stupid at all. Branding is just as important as winning. Perhaps more important, from the perspective of the franchise owner. Shahid Afridi offers a lot of eyeballs, including yours for example. And mine. They now have our money.

Winners come and go, but a strong brand needs to be established early on.

And he’s not a complete dud, even if he fails with the bat with one performance per tournament, he always bowls well with good economy and a few wickets. Add that to his brand value and he is always going to be a worthwhile investment.

Hell, most of these franchises would pay top dollar for Sachin to play at this age.

[Mobashir]

It’s not stupid at all. Branding is just as important as winning. Perhaps more important, from the perspective of the franchise owner. Shahid Afridi offers a lot of eyeballs, including yours for example. And mine. They now have our money.

Winners come and go, but a strong brand needs to be established early on.

And he’s not a complete dud, even if he fails with the bat with one performance per tournament, he always bowls well with good economy and a few wickets. Add that to his brand value and he is always going to be a worthwhile investment.

Hell, most of these franchises would pay top dollar for Sachin to play at this age.

Really poor comparaison.
No one will pay and should pay someone who can't play.
Afridi is still one of the top spinners in the world in LOI's and it's the reason he is a safe pick.

[Zaz]

He is probably still the best limited over all rounder in Asia at the age of 44.

It tells you a lot about how good he is and also how bad Asian all rounders are.

How is he the best all rounder in asia smashing a few poor domestic sri lankan bowlers around in a poor t20 league

Come on I know your a fan of the man but lets be a littlw realistic

[Prince of Pakistan]

Always felt he could have played T20 cricket for Pak till 2018 something. Still was one of the best hitters in the country till 2019. Also his fitness has been good for a 40+ year old athlete.

[WhenSultansBowled]

He is probably still the best limited over all rounder in Asia at the age of 44.

It tells you a lot about how good he is and also how bad Asian all rounders are.

It might be true. He is probably still an international level leggie. Better than many SC spray guns.

And he can still hit those big 6ers. Just imagine if peak Afridi debuted in T20 era.

[Smbhayi]

Did anybody have this innings video..? Superb AR performance by him today..

[Mobashir]

How is he the best all rounder in asia smashing a few poor domestic sri lankan bowlers around in a poor t20 league

Come on I know your a fan of the man but lets be a littlw realistic

So few all rounder in Asia is a reason. That was less to compliment Afridi but more the story sorry of talent in Asian cricket.
The only other who can bowl 10 overs is Jadeja (who isn't an as good bowler as Afridi) and he isn't any good with the bat (surprisingly).

[coy0607]

Shahid Afridi is an unreal character. He is making LPL without completing quarantine period. He proved health authorities he’s immune cos he got Covid in June and has the anti-bodies. Comes to bat and in his first inns smashes 50 off 20 balls. He’s only 40 years old. #LPLT20

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) November 27, 2020

[Smbhayi]

How is he the best all rounder in asia smashing a few poor domestic sri lankan bowlers around in a poor t20 league

Come on I know your a fan of the man but lets be a littlw realistic

Read commentary of his innings and it seems he smashed and it seems he smashed two sa international bowlers..

[Mobashir]

How is he the best all rounder in asia smashing a few poor domestic sri lankan bowlers around in a poor t20 league

Come on I know your a fan of the man but lets be a littlw realistic

Missed that part; 2 sixes against Kyle Abbott, 3 back to back sixes to Duanne Oliver and the 4th win is also against him one ball later.