Shahid Afridi awarded Hilal-e-Imtiaz for services to Pakistan cricket

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has been awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the country’s second-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his services to sports.

The award was presented by President Asif Ali Zardari at a ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Afridi was also acknowledged for his role in helping Pakistan secure its 2009 T20 World Cup title, a landmark achievement in the country’s cricket history.

Following the ceremony, Afridi shared a message on X, saying that receiving the honour from the president was a matter of pride for him and that it represented not only a personal achievement but also one for the entire nation.

receiving the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz from the president is an honour for him

He said the recognition reflected the affection, prayers and support he had received from the public throughout his career. Afridi also dedicated the award to Pakistan’s martyrs, saying the honour was also for those who had laid down their lives for the country. He ended his message with a prayer for Pakistan’s safety and prosperity.

A career across formats

The 46-year-old made a significant contribution to Pakistan cricket in all formats. In One-Day Internationals, he played 398 matches, scoring 8,064 runs, including 39 half-centuries and six centuries. He also took 395 wickets in the format, including nine five-wicket hauls.

In T20 Internationals, the right-handed batter appeared in 99 matches, scoring 1,416 runs and taking 98 wickets.

Afridi also built extensive experience in franchise cricket, representing sides in the Pakistan Super League, Lanka Premier League, Bangladesh Premier League, Caribbean Premier League, Champions League Twenty20, Big Bash League and Indian Premier League.

Role in 2009 World Twenty20 triumph

Afridi was a central figure in Pakistan’s victorious 2009 ICC World Twenty20 campaign. Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in the final, with Afridi delivering an all-round performance in the title match.

He scored an unbeaten 54 from 40 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes, and also took one wicket in the final.

The latest honour adds to official recognition of Afridi’s contribution to Pakistan cricket, particularly his role in one of the team’s most memorable tournament victories and his long-standing service to the sport.