Asif Afridi, the 38-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner from Peshawar, finally earned his long-awaited chance on the international stage on October 20, 2025, during the second Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi.

With his Test debut, Asif Afridi has become Pakistan’s second-oldest debutant in Test cricket, trailing only Miran Bakhsh, who debuted at 47 years and 284 days for Pakistan in 1955 against India.

He replaced pacer Hasan Ali in the squad, a decision praised for strengthening Pakistan’s spin attack alongside Noman Ali and Sajid Khan. The veteran spinner received his Test cap from Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Afridi, whose first-class debut was back in 2009, played only a handful of matches initially after a hiatus. He returned in 2015 and steadily established himself as a reliable spinner over 57 first-class matches. He bowled in 95 innings, taking 198 wickets at an average of 25.49 with an economy rate of 2.92.

He was also signed by Multan Sultans for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2021-22 season, where he played five matches for them. In PSL 2025, he represented Lahore Qalandars.

In 2022, Afridi was handed a one-year ban from the Pakistan Cricket Board for allegedly violently the code of conduct, though he returned after six months and rededicated himself to domestic cricket. His consistent performances eventually earned him a place in the national team, proving that age and setbacks are no barrier to opportunity.

On the global stage, the record for the oldest Test debutant belongs to England’s James Southerton, who took the field at 49 years and 119 days in the very first-ever Test in 1877.

Afridi’s story is more than just statistics; it’s a testament to perseverance, passion, and the belief that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.

For cricketers, this debut is a proud moment and a source of inspiration for those who have been waiting to perform on the world stage.