If he plays against South Africa, left arm spinner Asif Afridi would be Pakistan’s oldest Test debutant since 47 year old Miran Baksh in 1955.
A late call up built on long domestic service
Pakistan named Asif Afridi in the 18 man squad for the home Tests against South Africa. He is 38 and uncapped at Test level.
Afridi has been a steady performer for more than a decade in domestic cricket. He has 188 wickets in 57 first class matches at an average of 25.
With the bat, he owns one century and eight fifties. His control in the Pakistan Super League for Multan Sultans first drew wider attention and earned him a Pakistan call up in 2022 for the white ball series against Australia.
He did not make the final eleven, but he stayed on the radar and delivered a decent 2025 PSL in his second season.
Setbacks, suspension, and a determined return
Afridi’s path has been uneven. After three first class games in early 2009, he waited about six years for his next chance, which came after his 28th birthday.
In September 2022, the PCB provisionally suspended him for two breaches of the Anti Corruption Code.
One breach was for not reporting a corrupt approach. Another was under Article 2.4.10, which relates to encouraging or facilitating breaches.
A life ban was possible, but he admitted guilt and showed remorse. He received a two year ban, with half relaxed, and returned after one year.
Since then, he has taken 80 wickets across the last two first class seasons.
Earlier this year he suffered a freak training injury that fractured a bone under his right eye and ruled him out of the National T20 Cup. He recovered in time for PSL 10.
Why Pakistan want him now and what to expect
Pakistan have picked five spinners for this two Test series, a sign that turning pitches are likely.
Afridi’s left arm spin adds depth and variation to a spin heavy attack.
The coaches plan to stress spin control and new ball discipline against South Africa’s pace rich unit.
Afridi’s selection at 38 is uncommon, yet his record shows endurance, skill, and form.
If he debuts, it will cap a rare comeback and give Pakistan another slow bowling option tailored to home conditions.
