Finally, the mystery has been solved regarding the age of Shahid Afridi, thanks to his autobiography.
Just like how we all believed that Undertaker had seven lives, Shahid Afridi’s age was a mystery for every ’90s kid out there. Even the ever dependable ESPN Cricinfo got it wrong.
Shahid Afridi recently revealed in his autobiography that he was born in 1975 and not in 1980.
Afridi debuted in an ODI tri-series tournament in Nairobi, and, for the first time he batted, he scored a 37-ball century in international cricket. The record which stood for many years is now we know that isn’t one.
He writes: “Also, for the record, I was just nineteen, and not sixteen like they claim. I was born in 1975. So, yes, the authorities stated my age incorrectly.”
It was October 4, 1996, when he played the famous innings of 37-ball 100. Now, that would make him 20 or 21 on the day of record and not nineteen.
Though this is going to be a mystery again. At least, we got half answer that he wasn’t a 16YO when he debuted.