Who is No.1 ODI Bowler? Who is Shaheen Shah Afridi?
by Preethi | Updated Nov 01, 2023
Who is No.1 ODI Bowler?
The current No. 1 ODI bowler in the world is Shaheen Shah Afridi, a fast bowler from Pakistan. He recently climbed seven spots to reach the top position in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings. Afridi's remarkable performance in the ODI World Cup, where he has taken 16 wickets in just seven matches at an impressive average of 19.93, played a significant role in securing this ranking.
This achievement is especially noteworthy as it's the first time Afridi has held the No. 1 spot in any cricket format. His success is a testament to his skill, speed, and ability to make a significant impact in international cricket, making him one of the most sought-after bowlers in the ODI format.
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Who is Shaheen Shah Afridi?
Shaheen Shah Afridi is a renowned Pakistani international cricketer known for his exceptional left-arm fast bowling skills. Born on April 6, 2000, in Landi Kotal, Pakistan, he has made a significant impact on the world of cricket, representing Pakistan in all formats of the game. With a height of 6 feet 6 inches, his presence on the field is striking, and he is often referred to as "The Falcon" due to his ability to generate pace and bounce.
Afridi has captained the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and played a pivotal role in the team's back-to-back PSL title victories in 2022 and 2023, making them the first team in PSL history to defend their title. He is also the first Pakistani to win the Garfield Sobers trophy, a prestigious award in cricket. Afridi's journey in cricket has been marked by remarkable achievements and recognition on the international stage.
Full Name
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Date of Birth
6 April 2000
Age
23 years
Place of Birth
Landi Kotal, Khyber Agency,
Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Pakistan
Nickname
The Eagle
Height
6 feet 6 inches (198 cm)
Batting Style
Left-handed
Bowling Style
Left-arm fast
Role
Bowler
Relations
Riaz Afridi (brother)
Shaheen Shah Afridi Early life
Shaheen Shah Afridi hails from Landi Kotal, which is part of the Khyber Agency in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, now known as Khyber District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. He was born into a family belonging to the Zakhakhel Afridi tribe, which is a subgroup of the Pashtun community. Afridi is the youngest of seven brothers, with his eldest brother, Riaz Afridi, having played a solitary Test match for Pakistan in 2004.
In addition to his cricketing connections, his cousin Yasir Afridi is a professional footballer who has represented the Pakistan national football team. In March 2021, Afridi got engaged to Ansha Afridi, the daughter of former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi, adding another notable association to his family life.
Furthermore, in July 2022, he was honored with an honorary Deputy Superintendent of the Police (DSP) rank in the KP Police as a goodwill ambassador, reflecting his growing influence beyond the cricket field. Additionally, in January 2023, it was announced that Afridi would be designing Lahore Qalandars' new kits for the 2023 PSL, showcasing his involvement in various aspects of the sport.
Shaheen Shah Afridi Domestic Career
Shaheen Shah Afridi's domestic career is marked by significant achievements and contributions to various teams. He began his cricket journey at the Tatara Ground in Landi Kotal, transitioning from playing tennis-ball cricket to hard-ball cricket. His introduction to hard-ball cricket occurred at the FATA Under-16 trials in 2015, thanks to the support of his brother Riaz Afridi.
Success at this level led to Shaheen's selection for the Under-16 tour of Australia in November 2015, where he played an instrumental role in the One-Day and Twenty20 series victories. In December 2016, he earned a place in the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team, representing his country in the 2016 Under-19 Asia Cup held in Sri Lanka.
He made his first-class debut for Khan Research Laboratories in the 2017–18 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, where he showcased his immense talent by taking 8 wickets for 39 runs in the second innings, setting a record as the best figures by a Pakistani bowler on a first-class debut. Afridi's domestic cricket experience includes representing Baluchistan in the 2018 Pakistan Cup and making his List A debut.
His journey further extended to international franchise leagues like the Euro T20 Slam, where he was selected to play for the Rotterdam Rhinos, and the English T20 Blast, where he played for Hampshire County Cricket Club. In September 2020, he achieved a remarkable hat-trick and recorded the best-ever bowling figures at the Rose Bowl in T20 cricket during the T20 Blast. Afridi's impact in domestic cricket has been a significant stepping stone in his cricketing career.
Shaheen Shah Afridi International Career
Shaheen Shah Afridi's international career has been marked by remarkable performances for the Pakistan national cricket team across all formats. He made his T20 International (T20I) debut in April 2018 against the West Indies, quickly establishing himself as a key player in Pakistan's bowling lineup. His One Day International (ODI) debut came in September 2018 against Afghanistan, further solidifying his role in the team.
In November 2018, Afridi was named in Pakistan's Test squad for their series against New Zealand, marking his entry into the longest format of the game. Afridi's contributions to Pakistan's national team include his participation in major tournaments like the 2019 Cricket World Cup, where he achieved recognition for becoming the youngest bowler to take a five-wicket haul in a World Cup match. His figures of 6/35 against Bangladesh in that tournament were also the best by a Pakistani bowler in a World Cup match.
Additionally, he was shortlisted in Pakistan's 20-man squad for Test matches against England during their tour, highlighting his growing influence in Test cricket. In September 2021, he was named in Pakistan's squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
Afridi's performances earned him the title of Cricketer of the Year by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in January 2022, further solidifying his status as a key figure in Pakistan's cricketing landscape. His career has been marked by consistent growth and remarkable achievements in international cricket.
Shaheen Shah Afridi Family
Shaheen Shah Afridi comes from a family with significant connections to the world of sports. He is the youngest of seven brothers, and one of his elder brothers, Riaz Afridi, played a single Test match for Pakistan in 2004. The Afridi family belongs to the Zakhakhel Afridi tribe, a subgroup of the Pashtun community, which has produced several notable cricketers over the years.
In addition to his cricketing connections, Shaheen's cousin, Yasir Afridi, is a professional footballer who has represented the Pakistan national football team. This family connection to multiple sports highlights the Afridi family's involvement and influence in the world of sports in Pakistan.
Shaheen Shah Afridi Net Worth
As of 2023, Shaheen Shah Afridi's estimated net worth is $5 million dollars. This significant net worth is largely attributed to his successful career as a Pakistani international cricketer. His earnings come from various sources, including match fees, contracts with cricket franchises, sponsorships, and other commercial endorsements.
Afridi's participation in prestigious cricket leagues such as the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and international tournaments has contributed to his financial success. His achievements on the field, combined with his growing popularity, have made him a sought-after figure in the world of cricket, leading to lucrative opportunities and endorsements.
Who is No.1 ODI Bowler - FAQs
Shaheen Shah Afridi is the current No. 1 ODI bowler in the world.
Shaheen Shah Afridi is a Pakistani cricketer known for his exceptional left-arm fast bowling.
Shaheen Shah Afridi's estimated net worth in 2023 is $5 million.
Shaheen Shah Afridi stands at a towering height of 6 feet 6 inches.
Shaheen Shah Afridi captains the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).