Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram recalled seeing Shahid Afridi during Pakistan training in 1996, the year Afridi made his international debut and produced one of the most memorable innings of his career.

Akram shared the recollection while paying tribute to Afridi and his impact on Pakistan cricket.

Afridi emerged internationally in 1996

Shahid Afridi made his One Day International debut for Pakistan against Kenya in October 1996. In his next ODI, against Sri Lanka in Nairobi, he produced the innings that immediately brought him international attention.

Afridi scored 102 from 40 deliveries and reached his century from only 37 balls. At the time, it was the fastest century in ODI cricket.

Wasim Akram remembered Afridi’s early days

Akram recalled Afridi from Pakistan’s training environment in 1996 and praised the all-rounder’s subsequent career and popularity. The two later played together for Pakistan during the latter part of Akram’s international career.

Afridi developed into a prominent Pakistan all-rounder, combining aggressive batting with leg-spin bowling and representing the national side across all three international formats.

Historical context

This article covers Wasim Akram’s recollection of Shahid Afridi’s emergence in international cricket in 1996. Afridi’s 37-ball ODI century remained a world record for more than 17 years.