After years of dedicated service in Pakistan's domestic cricket circuit, left-arm spinner Asif Afridi has finally made his Test debut for Pakistan at the age of 38 years and 299 days. This remarkable achievement makes him the third-oldest player to represent Pakistan in Test cricket, behind only Miran Bakhsh, who debuted at 47 in 1955, and potentially Amir Elahi, who played for both India and Pakistan and may or may not be counted on the list. Asif's story is a testament to perseverance and determination, showcasing that consistent performance can eventually lead to international recognition, regardless of age.
His debut came in the second Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi, a tactical move to capitalize on the spin-friendly conditions expected in the later stages of the match. Afridi's impressive domestic record, which includes 198 wickets in 57 first-class matches and a decade of experience, ultimately earned him the call-up. He was selected over other spin options to partner the established left-arm spinner Noman Ali. While his journey had its challenges, including a ban for spot-fixing, his return to domestic cricket and continued strong performances ultimately led to this significant moment. As commentators and analysts have noted, Afridi's debut serves as an inspiration to many domestic players who continue to chase their international dreams.
