Pakistan cricket legend Shahid Khan Afridi has been awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz — Pakistan’s second highest civilian honor — by President Asif Ali Zardari at a ceremony held at Awan-e-Sadar in Islamabad. The emotional event recognized Afridi’s extraordinary contributions to cricket and his remarkable humanitarian work for the people of Pakistan.
Known and loved around the world as “Boom Boom,” Afridi entertained cricket fans for nearly two decades with his explosive batting and sharp leg-spin bowling. Across his international career, he played 27 Test matches, 398 ODIs and 99 T20Is, scoring over 11,000 international runs and taking 541 wickets. He famously smashed the fastest ODI century in history off just 37 balls and led Pakistan to glory in the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup — a moment that remains one of the most celebrated in Pakistani cricket history.
But Afridi’s legacy goes far beyond the cricket field. Through his Shahid Afridi Foundation, he has built schools, hospitals and clinics, particularly for poor and underserved communities and families affected by devastating floods. His charity work has touched the lives of thousands of people across Pakistan, earning him deep respect and admiration both at home and internationally.
President Zardari presented the award in recognition of Afridi’s services to sports and his contributions to the nation. Senior government officials, cricket legends and family members were present at the ceremony to witness the special occasion.
Fans and the wider cricket community have warmly welcomed the honor, describing it as a richly deserved recognition for one of Pakistan’s most beloved and iconic sporting figures.
