(Disclaimer: this is a work of fiction. Learn to take a joke; you’ll live longer.)
SHARJAH – Former captain and star all-rounder of the Pakistan cricket team Shahid Afridi celebrated his birthday on Thursday, March 1 in Sharjah.
Afridi, who is currently the playing president of the Karachi Kings, is currently in the UAE for the pool matches of the third edition of the Pakistan Super League, where his side have won all three of their matches ahead of his birthday.
Afridi, whose cricket career spans over 22 years, has turned 18 this week for an unprecedented 20th time.
This is among the many world records that he holds as one of the greatest stars to have graced the sport, and one of Pakistan’s most successful all-rounders.
Afridi has played 27 Test matches, 398 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 98 T20 matches, almost all of which have been played around his 18th birthday.
He made his ODI debut in October 1996, Test debut in October 1998 and T20 debut in August 2006, all of which too coincided with his birthday.
Congratulations poured in for Afridi on Thursday, with legends of the game, past and present sending in their best wishes.
“Can’t believe he’s already turned 18. I remember growing up and watching him play,” said Zaheer Abbas.
“Can’t believe he’s finally an adult,” said Wasim Akram.
