In a singular gesture that has both incited skepticism and engendered respect across the sports world as a whole, one of Pakistan’s premier fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has received recognition from FIFA, the mother governing body of sport.
While the left-arm pacer isn’t confused for uprooting stumps, this most recent acknowledgement had nothing to do with anything he brough on the field and everything to do with something social – his impact of supporting fans through multiple sporting avenues.
During a recent event highlighting athletes promoting international camaraderie, FIFA acknowledged Afridi as a sports personality making positive waves beyond cricket. The organisation praised the young Pakistani for championing goodwill across different sporting cultures, especially as football continues to gain popularity in Pakistan’s younger population.
Afridi, who commands a significant fan following on and off the pitch, has never hidden his appreciation for football. He’s often posted about international football stars on social media, attended football charity matches during off-season tours, and been seen engaging with global football figures. One particularly popular moment that went viral was his jersey exchange with Brazilian footballer Marcelo in Dubai, which drew admiration both in cricketing circles and among football fans.
This isn’t the first time Afridi has been involved in cross-sport initiatives, but FIFA’s recognition is something new — a rare moment when a Pakistani cricketer is acknowledged by a global football authority.
Officials from the Pakistan Football Federation welcomed the gesture and said that such acknowledgments could help bring new life to football’s development in the country. “Football in Pakistan needs visibility. When someone of Shaheen’s stature backs it, that visibility grows,” said one PFF insider.
Back home, fans were quick to celebrate the honour. Social media buzzed with congratulatory messages. Babar Azam, Afridi’s national teammate and close friend, was among the first to respond publicly, praising the pacer for “making the nation proud once again.”
Afridi’s own response was modest. In a brief statement posted online, he said: “It’s an honour to be recognised, but the goal remains the same — to represent Pakistan in the best possible way. Whether it’s cricket or showing support for fellow athletes, it’s all about unity.”
This recognition is not about changing sports — it’s about changing perception. In an era where sports stars carry the power to influence culture, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s acknowledgement by FIFA is a testament to how one athlete’s popularity can cross boundaries and even bring attention to under-supported sports.
