Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, Pakistan’s two highest wicket-takers in international cricket, will receive the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the country’s second-highest civilian award, later this month.
The Pakistan government announced on Monday that along withAkram and Younis, legspinner Yasir Shah will receive the Sitara-e-Imtiaz,Pakistan’s third-highest civilian award.
In Yasir’s short international career of 35 Tests and 19ODIs, he has made plenty of heads turn. Against New Zealand last year, hebecame the fastest bowler, in terms of matches, to take 200 Test wickets andbreak Clarrie Grimmett’s 82-year-old record. Yasir also holds the record forthe best bowling figures for a Pakistan spinner in Tests – 14 for 184 againstNew Zealand.
“The three are deserving recipients,” the PCB saidvia a press release. “Wasim and Waqar are highly-respected commentatorsand have played their role in enhancing the image of Pakistan and cricket asbroadcasters, while Yasir has had a lion’s share in Pakistan’s major Test winsin the recent past.”
The three cricketers will be given their awards on March 23 by president Dr Arif Alvi. Akram and Younis previously received the Pride-of-Performance awards in 1992 and 1995, respectively. Agencies