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Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi <\/a><\/strong>was honoured with the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz on Wednesday, May 6, becoming just the fourth Pakistani cricketer to receive Pakistan\u2019s second-highest civilian award.<\/p>\n The recognition was presented by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari during an official ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr. With the honour, the all-rounder joined an elite group of Pakistan cricket legends including former captain Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Abdul Hafeez Kardar, who have previously been awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for their services to the country.<\/p>\n Watch Shahid Afridi receiving the award here –\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Afridi\u2019s illustrious international career spanned over two decades, during which he established himself as one of Pakistan\u2019s most impactful white-ball cricketers. Known for his aggressive batting and wicket-taking ability, the former all-rounder represented Pakistan in 524 international matches across formats.<\/p>\n In ODI cricket, Afridi remains among Pakistan\u2019s most experienced players, having featured in 398 matches. He amassed 8,064 runs with the bat, including six centuries and 39 half-centuries, while also scalping 395 wickets with the ball, cementing his legacy as one of the game\u2019s finest all-rounders.<\/p>\n One of the defining moments of Afridi\u2019s career came during the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 final against Sri Lanka at Lord\u2019s Cricket Ground. Delivering on the biggest stage, Afridi played a match-winning knock of an unbeaten 54 off 40 deliveries and also picked up a wicket, guiding Pakistan to their maiden T20 World Cup title.<\/p>\n Apart from his success with the national side, Afridi also enjoyed a celebrated franchise career around the globe. He featured in tournaments such as the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Indian Premier League <\/a><\/strong>(IPL), Big Bash League (BBL) and Caribbean Premier League (CPL), becoming one of the most recognised T20 stars of his era.<\/p>\n At 46, Afridi\u2019s latest recognition stands as a tribute to a legendary career that left a lasting impact on Pakistan cricket and inspired generations of fans worldwide.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n