Shahid Afridi [Source: AFP]In a cricket-crazy nation like Pakistan where icons often transcend boundaries of the sport, several figures have left behind a legacy that continue to resonate far beyond packed stadiums. With that stature, however, even moments of prestige can sometimes invite an unwanted conversation that can travel in unexpectedly different directions. That proved to be the case when former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi was awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for his exceptional services to cricket on Wednesday, May 13. Incidentally, the name of the honor has inadvertently caught extra attention among Indian audiences. Shahid Afridi’s prestigious recognition has a name hard to ignore Shahid Afridi has won the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz award for his outstanding services to cricket. The former Pakistan captain received the honor on Wednesday, May 13. Also Read- Shaheen Afridi's Family Feud On The Rise As Shahid Afridi Demands Captaincy StripNotably, the Hilal-e-Imtiaz honor is the second highest civilian award given to both civilian and military officers of Pakistan. Previously, a handful of Pakistani cricketers have also won the award, including legendary pacemen Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.Sheri. @CallMeSheri1_ Shahid Afridi has been awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for his outstanding services to cricket. 🎖 May 13, 2026, 5:55 AM With Afridi joining the elite list, the prestigious recognition has simultaneously become an unintentionally amusing talking point across sections of Indian social media due to the award’s peculiar-sounding name in Hindi slang.A look at Shahid Afridi’s glittering career Shahid Afridi burst onto the international scene in October 1996 with an ODI match against Kenya in Nairobi at the KCA Centenary Tournament. In the opening week of his international career, the legendary all-rounder blasted 102 off just 40 balls against Sri Lanka with six cracking boundaries and 11 huge sixes. The cricketer raced to his hundred from just 37 balls, which remained ODI cricket’s fastest-ever century for nearly two decades. He went on to play 27 Tests, 398 ODIs and 99 T20I matches for his country, picking up 541 international wickets in the process which is the most by any Pakistani spin bowler in history. Even with the bat, the hard-hitting radical plundered over 11,000 runs across all formats with staggering batting strike rates. Even his Test strike rate amounted to 86.97. As of now, he remains the third leading six-hitter of the game, falling only behind Rohit Sharma and Chris Gayle.Shahid Afridi was a crucial member of the Pakistan team that lifted both its Asia Cup titles, in 2000 and 2012. During the 2009 T20 World Cup in England, his all-round heroics scripted Pakistan’s first-ever world T20 title. A career filled with controversies Despite holding a seemingly decorated career, Afridi was also plagued by several controversies during his journey. In early 2010, the cricketer was caught tampering with the ball during an ODI match in Australia. He was subsequently banned for two matches by the referee. Afridi also often returned with underwhelming performances for Pakistan in major ICC events, sans 2009 T20 World Cup. Over the past few years, the seasoned pro has also frequently made headlines for his provocative remarks against India and former Indian cricketers.Also Read- Jasprit Bumrah To Be Rested? MI Strongest XI vs PBKS For IPL 2026, Match 58
.jpg?type=mq "Jasprit Bumrah To Be Rested? MI Strongest XI vs PBKS For IPL 2026, Match 58")
