Asif Afridi Makes Test Debut at 38, Enters Record Books as One of Pakistan’s Oldest Debutants

Rawalpindi: Left-arm finger spinner **Asif Afridi** has made his Test debut for Pakistan at the age of **38 years and 299 days**, becoming the **second-oldest player** ever to debut for the national team in the longest format.

If former cricketer **Amir Elahi** — who represented India before playing for Pakistan — is included in the list, Asif ranks **third** among Pakistan’s oldest debutants.

Born in **Peshawar**, Asif Afridi began his **first-class career in 2009**, but after playing only three matches that season, he disappeared from the domestic scene until **2015**. Since then, he has steadily built a reputation as a reliable spinner.

Over his **57 first-class matches**, Asif has claimed **198 wickets at an impressive average of 25.49**. Cricket analysts have compared him to South Africa’s **Simon Harmer**, who at 36 has taken **992 wickets in 233 matches** at an average of **26.43**.

Experts say Asif’s late rise to international cricket proves that **“age is just a number”** when performance and persistence align.