The Asia Cup 2025 brought thrilling contests, but one performance that stood out came from Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi. In the Pakistan vs UAE clash at the Dubai International Stadium, Afridi showcased why he is regarded as one of the best all-round match-winners in modern cricket. His all-round brilliance — a quickfire 29 off 14 balls and a superb bowling spell of 2/16 —* not only earned him the Player of the Match award but also underlined his unmatched value to Pakistan cricket.
This article dives deep into Afridi’s performance in this match, his cricketing journey, personal life, leadership qualities, achievements, and net worth in 2025.
The Match Situation – Pakistan vs UAE, Asia Cup 2025
Pakistan entered this Group A clash with confidence but also pressure, as UAE had shown improvement in earlier games. After being put into bat, Pakistan’s top order faltered slightly, but Fakhar Zaman (50 runs) and Shaheen Afridi (29* off 14) stabilized the innings to post a defendable total of 146/9.
When it was UAE’s turn to chase, Afridi returned with the ball to dismantle their momentum. His early breakthroughs and disciplined bowling restricted UAE, eventually handing Pakistan a comfortable 41-run victory.
Afridi’s ability to deliver under pressure proved once again why he is Pakistan’s most trusted match-winner.
Shaheen Afridi’s Impactful Performance
With the Bat
- Came in during the death overs when Pakistan’s score was under pressure.
- Smashed 29 runs in just 14 balls, hitting 3 boundaries and 2 sixes.
- His cameo lifted Pakistan from a modest score to a competitive one.
With the Ball
- Opened the attack with his fiery pace and swing.
- Claimed 2 wickets for just 16 runs in his spell.
- Removed key UAE batters early, breaking their backbone.
Afridi’s dual role proved decisive and was the main reason Pakistan dominated the match.
Rise of Shaheen Shah Afridi
Born on 6 April 2000 in Khyber Agency, Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi rose from humble beginnings to become a cricketing superstar. Coming from a family with a sporting background (his brother Riaz Afridi also played cricket), Shaheen’s tall frame and natural pace made him a standout talent from an early age.
- Domestic Debut (2016): Shaheen first made headlines in Pakistan’s domestic circuit with his raw pace.
- U19 World Cup (2018): His fiery spells for Pakistan U19 caught the attention of selectors.
- International Debut (2018): He made his T20I debut against West Indies and soon after entered ODIs and Tests.
- Breakthrough (2019): His 6/35 against Bangladesh in World Cup 2019 was a career-defining performance.
- World Cup 2021: Afridi’s opening spell against India, dismissing Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli, made him a national hero.
Since then, Shaheen has been Pakistan’s pace leader, feared by batters worldwide for his ability to swing the new ball at high speed.
Bowling Style and Strengths
- Height Advantage: At 6’6”, Afridi extracts bounce others cannot.
- Swing: Known for deadly inswingers to right-handers and sharp seam movement.
- Yorkers: His toe-crushing yorkers in death overs are his trademark.
- All-Round Contribution: Over the years, Afridi has also improved as a lower-order batter, capable of big-hitting cameos like the one against UAE.
Achievements and Records
- ICC Cricketer of the Year 2021.
- Multiple 5-wicket hauls in international cricket.
- Youngest Pakistan fast bowler to lead the pace attack consistently across all formats.
- Over 250 international wickets across formats by 2025.
- Key performer in Pakistan Super League (PSL) for Lahore Qalandars, leading them to titles.
Shaheen Afridi Net Worth 2025
Shaheen Afridi is not only a cricketing superstar but also among the wealthiest young athletes in Pakistan.
Income Sources
- Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB): Centrally contracted player (Category A).
- Pakistan Super League (PSL): Star player for Lahore Qalandars.
- Franchise Leagues: Featured in T20 leagues like The Hundred and global tournaments.
- Brand Endorsements: Sponsored by top brands like Pepsi, Jazz, and sportswear companies.
Estimated Net Worth (2025)
- $7 Million – $9 Million USD (Approx. ₹60-75 Crore INR).
Afridi’s earnings continue to rise, making him one of the highest-paid cricketers in Pakistan.
Personal Life
Shaheen comes from a Pashtun family and has a grounded lifestyle. In 2023, he married Ansha Afridi, daughter of legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi, making him part of Pakistan’s most famous cricketing family. The marriage further cemented his popularity among fans.
He is admired for his humility, discipline, and commitment to the game.
Leadership Qualities
Though young, Afridi has shown leadership both on and off the field. As the captain of Lahore Qalandars in the PSL, he has guided the team to success. Many experts believe Afridi is a future captain for Pakistan in white-ball cricket.
Global Recognition
Shaheen Afridi is not only celebrated in Pakistan but also recognized worldwide as one of the best left-arm fast bowlers. His duels with top batters like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, David Warner, and Jos Buttler are always highlights of big tournaments.
2. When was Shaheen Afridi born?
Why Shaheen Afridi’s Performance Against UAE Matters
- Proved All-Round Skills: Not just a bowler, but also a reliable lower-order batter.
- Big-Match Temperament: Delivered in a crucial Asia Cup game.
- Future Star Leadership: Showed his ability to carry the team single-handedly.
For Pakistan, Afridi is not just a bowler — he is a game-changer.
✅ Conclusion
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Asia Cup 2025 performance against UAE reaffirmed his status as Pakistan’s ultimate match-winner. With his 29 off 14 balls* and 2/16 bowling spell, he showcased why he is a priceless asset to the team. Beyond numbers, his story is one of hard work, discipline, and passion, inspiring millions of cricket fans.
At just 25 years old, Afridi has already achieved what many dream of, and his journey is far from over. With fitness, form, and determination, he is set to dominate world cricket for the next decade.
For Pakistan, the future is bright as long as Shaheen Shah Afridi leads the attack.
FAQs
1. Who is Shaheen Shah Afridi?
Shaheen Shah Afridi is a professional Pakistani cricketer, widely regarded as one of the best fast bowlers in the modern era. He plays for the Pakistan national cricket team across all formats.
Shaheen Afridi was born on April 6, 2000, in Khyber Agency, Pakistan.
3. How tall is Shaheen Afridi?
He is 6 feet 6 inches tall, which gives him a natural advantage as a fast bowler with bounce and pace.
4. What is Shaheen Afridi’s playing role in cricket?
Shaheen is a left-arm fast bowler and sometimes contributes as a lower-order left-handed batsman.
5. What makes Shaheen Afridi special as a bowler?
His ability to swing the new ball, generate pace, and bowl deadly yorkers in the death overs makes him one of the most dangerous bowlers in world cricket.
6. Which teams has Shaheen Afridi played for?
Apart from Pakistan’s national team, Shaheen Afridi has played for Lahore Qalandars (PSL), Nottinghamshire (County Cricket), and several domestic teams in Pakistan.
7. What is Shaheen Afridi’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Shaheen Afridi’s estimated net worth is around $7 million (₹58+ crore PKR), coming from his central contract, match fees, PSL, endorsements, and brand deals.
8. What is Shaheen Afridi’s salary from PCB?
Shaheen is in PCB’s central contract “A” category, earning approximately ₹5-6 million PKR annually, excluding match fees and bonuses.
9. How much does Shaheen earn from PSL?
In the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Shaheen plays for Lahore Qalandars as captain and earns nearly $150,000+ per season, along with performance bonuses.
10. What are Shaheen Afridi’s career achievements?
- ICC Cricketer of the Year 2021
- Fastest Pakistani bowler to 100 ODI wickets
- Player of the Match in several ICC tournaments
- PSL winning captain with Lahore Qalandars
11. What was Shaheen Afridi’s best bowling spell?
One of his most memorable spells came against India in the 2021 T20 World Cup, where he dismissed Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli with fiery pace and swing.
12. Has Shaheen Afridi captained Pakistan?
Yes, Shaheen has captained Pakistan in T20 internationals on several occasions and also led Lahore Qalandars to PSL glory.
13. Is Shaheen Afridi married?
Yes, Shaheen Afridi is married to Ansha Afridi, the daughter of Pakistan’s cricket legend Shahid Afridi.
14. What cars does Shaheen Afridi own?
Shaheen owns luxury vehicles such as a Toyota Fortuner, Land Cruiser, and sports cars, showcasing his love for automobiles.
15. What is Shaheen Afridi’s educational background?
Shaheen focused more on cricket during his teenage years and did not pursue higher studies formally, dedicating his life to professional sports.
16. Who is Shaheen Afridi’s cricket idol?
Like many Pakistani cricketers, Shaheen has admired Wasim Akram and Shahid Afridi as his cricketing idols.
17. How many wickets has Shaheen Afridi taken in international cricket?
By 2025, Shaheen has taken over 300 international wickets across Test, ODI, and T20 formats.
18. What is Shaheen Afridi’s fastest recorded delivery?
Shaheen has clocked speeds above 150 km/h (93 mph), making him one of the fastest left-arm bowlers in the world.
19. Does Shaheen Afridi play in foreign leagues?
Yes, apart from PSL, Shaheen has featured in County Cricket in England and is expected to join other international T20 leagues soon.
20. What brands does Shaheen Afridi endorse?
Shaheen has endorsement deals with Pepsi, Jazz, Gillette, and other Pakistani & international brands, contributing significantly to his income.
21. What injuries has Shaheen Afridi faced?
Shaheen has suffered from knee injuries, which kept him out of cricket for a few months, but he made strong comebacks each time.
22. How does Shaheen Afridi train to stay fit?
He follows a strict fitness regime with weight training, cardio, and bowling practice, ensuring he maintains speed and stamina for long spells.
23. Is Shaheen Afridi active on social media?
Yes, Shaheen is active on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where he has millions of followers and often shares cricket updates and personal life moments.
24. What awards has Shaheen Afridi won?
- ICC Cricketer of the Year 2021
- PCB Awards – Bowler of the Year multiple times
- PSL’s Best Bowler Award
25. What is Shaheen Afridi’s long-term goal?
Shaheen aims to win ICC trophies for Pakistan, become the world’s No.1 bowler, and inspire young fast bowlers worldwide.