Unbelievable! Asif Afridi Debuts for Pakistan at 38 - Third-Oldest in Test History
Aged 38 years and 299 days, Asif Afridi becomes Pakistan’s third-oldest Test debutant - a historic feat following Miran Bakhsh’s legacy. Learn how he defied age to achieve his dream.
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Left-arm spinner Asif Afridi is making his Test debut for Pakistan in the second red-ball match against South Africa at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The 38-year-and-299-day-old player from Peshawar has been a seasoned domestic veteran, having played 57 first-class matches. His strong first-class cricket record includes 198 wickets, with 13 five-wicket hauls in 95 innings, highlighting his consistency as a left-arm spinner. He received his first Test cap from fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Asif Afridi was included in Pakistan’s playing XI, replacing pacer Hasan Ali for the crucial second match of the home series against the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) winners. This selection decision marks a shift to a spin-heavy attack on what is anticipated to be a turning pitch in Rawalpindi.
By playing his first Test at the age of 38 years and 299 days on Monday, October 20, Asif Afridi became the third-oldest player to make a Test debut for Pakistan.
The record for the oldest player to make a Test debut for Pakistan is held by Miran Bakhsh. He was 47 years and 284 days old when he played his first Test against India in Lahore on January 29, 1955
Amir Elahi is the second oldest. He made his Pakistan debut at 44 years and 45 days against India in Delhi on October 16, 1952. Interestingly, Elahi had previously played a Test for India against Australia on December 12, 1947, making him a unique figure in subcontinent cricket history.
Oldest Test Debutants for Pakistan:
| Player | Age | Against | Venue | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miran Bakhsh | 47 years, 284 days | India | Lahore | Jan 29, 1955 |
| Amir Elahi | 44 years, 45 days | India | Delhi | Oct 16, 1952 |
| Asif Afridi | 38 years, 299 days | South Africa | Rawalpindi | Oct 20, 2025 |
| Tabish Khan | 36 years, 146 days | Zimbabwe | Harare | May 7, 2021 |
| Gul Mohammad | 34 years, 362 days | Australia | Karachi | Oct 11, 1956 |
He is the second oldest player overall to make a Test debut. The oldest Test debutant in the world is James Southerton. He was 49 years and 119 days old when he played his first Test for England against Australia in Melbourne on March 15, 1877.
Oldest Test Debutants in the 21st Century
The oldest player in the 21st century to make a Test debut is Ed Joyce. He was 39 years and 231 days old when he played for Ireland against Pakistan in Dublin on May 11, 2018.
| Player | Team | Age | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ed Joyce | Ireland | 39 years, 231 days | Pakistan | Dublin (Malahide) | May 11, 2018 |
| Asif Afridi | Pakistan | 38 years, 299 days | South Africa | Rawalpindi | Oct 20, 2025 |
| Shaun von Berg | South Africa | 37 years, 150 days | New Zealand | Hamilton | Feb 13, 2024 |
| Bryce McGain | Australia | 36 years, 359 days | South Africa | Cape Town | Mar 19, 2009 |
| Tim Murtagh | Ireland | 36 years, 282 days | Pakistan | Dublin (Malahide) | May 11, 2018 |
| Shaun Udal | England | 36 years, 239 days | Pakistan | Multan | Nov 12, 2005 |
| Niall O’Brien | Ireland | 36 years, 184 days | Pakistan | Dublin (Malahide) | May 11, 2018 |
| Tabish Khan | Pakistan | 36 years, 146 days | Zimbabwe | Harare | May 7, 2021 |
Pakistan’s Playing XI for 2nd Test vs South Africa
Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (C), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Agha, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Asif Afridi
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