In a surprising FIFA tribute, Pakistan’s star cricketer Shaheen Shah Afridi has been featured alongside football legends Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., and Luka Modrić. FIFA’s official World Cup Instagram account highlighted the four athletes under the caption “The iconic,” celebrating those who wear the iconic number 10 jersey across sports.
Cricket Star Among Football Giants
Shaheen Afridi, known for his dominance on the cricket pitch, stood out in the post as the only non-footballer. His inclusion signals a major moment of global recognition and reflects FIFA’s effort to connect with broader sports audiences, especially in regions like Pakistan.
Many fans speculate this could be part of FIFA’s engagement strategy ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the US. Reports suggest that localised campaigns are being developed to tap into passionate sports communities in South Asia.
Shaheen Afridi’s Unmatched PSL Record
The FIFA spotlight comes at a career-high point for Afridi. At 25, he has already made history in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL). Leading the Lahore Qalandars, he recently secured a third PSL title—more than any captain in the league’s history.
Afridi’s Qalandars chased down 202 runs in the 2025 final against Quetta Gladiators at Gaddafi Stadium. Sikandar Raza finished the match in thrilling style with a six and a four in the final over.
Afridi is also the only captain to win back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, adding a third this year to cement his legacy.
Read: Shaheen Afridi to Lead PSL X Team of the Tournament
Top PSL Captains by Titles
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Shaheen Afridi (Lahore Qalandars) – 3
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Misbah-ul-Haq (Islamabad United) – 1
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Darren Sammy (Peshawar Zalmi) – 1
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JP Duminy (Islamabad United) – 1
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Sarfaraz Ahmed (Quetta Gladiators) – 1
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Imad Wasim (Karachi Kings) – 1
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Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans) – 1
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Shadab Khan (Islamabad United) – 1
FIFA’s acknowledgment of Afridi elevates his profile beyond cricket, establishing him as a cross-sport ambassador and a symbol of Pakistani excellence on the global stage.
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