Following the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) announcement of the preliminary Test squad for the upcoming series against South Africa earlier today, the inclusion of 38-year-old Asif Khan Afridi has sparked widespread debate online.
The decision to bring uncapped 38 year old Asif Khan Afridi in the squad was questioned by several former cricketers at this stage while several youngsters are still waiting to be picked by the national side.
Several cricket enthusiasts have questioned the decision, arguing that Afridi is well beyond the usual age for a Test debut or comeback, particularly for a team that says it’s focused on building for the future.
While some casual fans reacted with, “Who is he?”, those more familiar with Pakistan’s domestic circuit recognize Afridi as a consistent performer who has been quietly pushing for national selection for years.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 38-year-old left-arm spinner whose selection in the test side has sparked debate on social media.
Who Is Asif Khan Afridi?
Born on December 25, 1986, Asif Afridi is a first-class cricketer from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) who made his debut way back in 2009 for Abbottabad.
A bowling all-rounder, he relies on his slow left-arm orthodox spin and has quietly built a solid reputation in Pakistan’s domestic cricket scene over the last decade.
While not a flashy performer, Afridi has been one of the most consistent wicket-takers in domestic formats – especially in longer formats, which many believe has earned him position in Test squad at an age when most cricketers are winding down their careers.
Why Has He Been Picked Now?
Asif Afridi has maintained solid form in domestic cricket, taking 9 wickets in 4 matches during the previous Quaid-e-Azam Trophy at an average of 21.44, and following that with 18 wickets in 6 games in the President’s Trophy Grade-I, averaging 25.16.
His recent performances, combined with Pakistan’s preference for a spin-heavy approach in home Test matches, made a strong case for his inclusion in the squad.
Afridi is now one of five spin options under consideration, alongside Noman Ali (also 38, left-arm orthodox), Sajid Khan (off-spin), Abrar Ahmed (leg-spin), Faisal Akram (uncapped left-arm wrist-spinner), and Agha Salman, the T20I captain who offers part-time off-spin.
That said, with the squad set to be trimmed before the first Test, there remains a possibility that Afridi may not make the final cut – the confirmed squad size is yet to be revealed.
According to reports, Afridi’s recent performances in first-class and Grade-I tournaments have impressed selectors:
- Quaid-e-Azam Trophy: 9 wickets in 4 matches at an average of 21.44
- President’s Trophy Grade-I: 18 wickets in 6 games at 25.16
- Hanif Mohammad Trophy (non-first-class): Topped the charts with 33 wickets in 10 matches
These numbers highlight his ability to take wickets consistently, especially on slower, turning pitches – the kind Pakistan might prepare against South Africa.
Asif Afridi Career Achievements:
| Format | Mat | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 5w | 10w |
| First-class | 57 | 198 | Jun-36 | 11/204 | 25.49 | Jan-00 | 52.3 | 13 | 2 |
| List A | 60 | 83 | 31-May | 31-May | 29.81 | 4-Jan | 38.5 | 2 | 0 |
| T20s | 85 | 78 | 26-May | 26-May | 23.2 | 6-Jan | 19.9 | 1 | 0 |
Asif Khan Afridi has quietly built a respectable domestic career, consistently delivering strong performances
While he may not have made headlines, Afridi’s steady presence and consistent wicket-taking ability have kept him in the mix – and now, finally, in the national Test conversation.
His 2022 performances even earned him a call-up to Pakistan’s white-ball squads for the Australia series. But just as things were looking up, a major setback followed.
The Ban That Nearly Ended his Career
In February 2023, Afridi was banned for two years by the PCB for failing to report a corrupt approach — a violation of the anti-corruption code. The ban, however, was suspended after one year considering mitigating circumstances and Afridi’s cooperation with the investigation.
Though the incident dented his career, Afridi returned to domestic cricket and rebuilt his form and reputation — something that may have contributed to this redemption arc now culminating in his Test squad inclusion.
Pakistan Squad for South Africa Tests:
Shan Masood (capt), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
