Former minister Waris Afridi beams as son Asif takes five on Test debut

Asif Afridi, the left-arm spinner, made a stunning Test debut against South Africa in Rawalpindi, taking five wickets and announcing his arrival on the international stage in remarkable fashion.

He is the son of former MNA and ex-Minister for States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), Malik Waris Khan Afridi. Malik, a close confidant of the late Prime Minister Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, expressed immense joy over his son's remarkable performance.

"Yes, he had been waiting for this moment for a long time and I’m overjoyed as a father," Waris Afridi said in an exclusive interview with Nukta.

"I always prayed for his success and today we witnessed that dream come true,” he added.

He emphasized that Asif’s rise was purely based on merit.

"I never asked for any favour for Asif. He was a committed cricketer who never gave up hope. God Almighty eventually blessed him with this golden opportunity and he seized it," he said.

Malik, often seen donning a traditional large turban, was highly regarded by Benazir Bhutto and even accompanied her on official visits to countries such as England and France.

Recalling a pivotal moment, Waris revealed, "Asif was about to travel to the United States when he received a call informing him of his selection in Pakistan’s Test squad."

Waris highlighted the unwavering support Asif received from his family.

"We never discouraged him from playing cricket. He was passionate about the game. Even his mother was delighted with his interest and always encouraged him."

A prominent political figure and respected tribal elder from Bara, Khyber Agency, Malik has had a distinguished political career spanning over two decades. Elected as an MNA in 1988, he served as the Minister for SAFRON during Benazir Bhutto’s first tenure. He remained an active member of the PPP’s Central Executive Committee and Federal Council.

His contributions include the successful organization of numerous peace jirgas in Wana, South Waziristan and North Waziristan. Notably, he also led a historic Shia-Sunni jirga in Kurram Agency, helping to resolve a long-standing sectarian conflict. He further represented Pakistan at the Loya Jirga in Afghanistan.

Fond memories

Asif’s elder brother and first-class cricketer, Abid Afridi, also shared fond memories of their early cricketing days.

"Asif has always been a smart and disciplined cricketer. Honestly, he deserved to be in the national team five or six years ago," Abid told Nukta.

"He was passionate from the beginning. I remember him bowling to me in our garage. He always kept his action clean and sharp,” he said.

Abid also praised Asif’s consistency and dedication to the game.

"He was one of the most consistent performers in domestic cricket. No matter the circumstances, he never compromised on fitness. In the mornings, he played with me for Shireen Mahal and in the evening, he would join his own club Jinnah Club, owned by Asghar Lala,” Abid said.

Abid recalled how some doubted Asif due to his age.

"Many told him he had passed his prime and should retire but he refused to give up. He kept playing and finally, the day he had been waiting for so eagerly arrived,” Abid said.

Once a resident of Bara, Asif now lives in Regi Model Town, a well-developed neighborhood in Peshawar.

Asif comes from a family of achievers. His brother Abid is a first-class cricketer; Mazhar Afridi serves as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Landi Kotal while Zafar Afridi is involved in real estate.

The 38-year-old Asif has had an illustrious domestic career. He has played 57 first-class matches, taking 198 wickets. In 60 List A matches, he claimed 83 wickets and in 85 T20 matches, he picked up 78 wickets.