Cricket world bids farewell to Shahid Afridi

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi’s illustrious international career finally came to an end at the ‘Home of Cricket’ Lord’s on Thursday, as cricket world bid farewell to the star all-rounder.

The star all-rounder was given guard of honour by World XI players as he stepped on the field for the last time against West Indies.

As early as in his first international innings – in his second one-day international appearance – back in October 1996, Afridi slammed a 40-ball 102 against Sri Lanka in Nairobi. The century had come off 37 balls, and it stood as the fastest One Day International (ODI) century for close to two decades before Corey Anderson (36 balls) in January 2014 and AB de Villiers (31 balls) in January 2015 topped it.

Afridi could, however, score only five more centuries in his ODI career spanning 398 matches, which ended with 8,064 runs and 395 wickets, fantastic numbers in every way.

He also turned out in 27 Tests, hitting 1,716 runs and picking up 48 wickets, and played 99 T20Is for 1,416 runs and 98 wickets, still a record in the format in men's cricket, over two years since he last played for Pakistan.

The ICC World T20 2009 was one of the highlights of his career as he guided Pakistan to victory at Lord's in the final against Sri Lanka.

He has been a role model for many as he finally bid farewell to his international career:

Guard of honour for Shahid Afridi from his World XI team-mates #CricketRelief pic.twitter.com/iPEjHjb43T

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) May 31, 2018

Shahid Afridi says farewell to international cricket #CricketRelief pic.twitter.com/SGLH2QwMDB

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) May 31, 2018

A fitting farewell to a thorough match-winner on his day and one of the finest Pakistan produced. No better farewell than at the @HomeOfCricket from @ICC .
Congratulations on an illustrious career Lala @SAfridiOfficial. Your contributions can never be ignored.

— Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) May 31, 2018

Shahid Afridi applauded off the field in his final international game...(?)

Thisara Perera playing a lone hand for World XIhttps://t.co/ex8uVd7Gja #CricketRelief #HurricaneRelief #WIvWXI pic.twitter.com/8Rc2UuNBoH

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 31, 2018

Tonight, a @TheRealPCB legend bid farewell to his international career.

Take a bow, @SAfridiOfficial #LoveLords pic.twitter.com/7U28rDDTed

— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) May 31, 2018

11,196 runs.
541 wickets.
1 fantastic international career.

Thank you @SAfridiOfficial for all of the memories! #CricketRelief pic.twitter.com/nFEpJPJdkb

— ICC (@ICC) May 31, 2018

Hats off for Lala#Thank you @SAfridiOfficial for such great services for pakistan
You are a true hero wish a good luck for ahead life never forget you we love you ???? pic.twitter.com/bHVsVtJO6z

— Hassan Ali (@RealHa55an) May 31, 2018