Former Pakistan captains Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram, and leg-spinner Yasir Shah have all been nominated for Civil Awards by the Pakistan government.
ICC Hall of Famers Waqar and Wasim, who were each recognised in the Pride of Performance awards during their playing days, will be conferred with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s second-highest civilian award, while Yasir will be bestowed the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, the third-highest civilian award.
Wasim and Waqar, who sit at Nos. 2 and 3 on the all-time ODI wicket-taker’s list, broke many records during their playing career, both individually and as one of cricket’s most fearsome new and old-ball pairings. They have been recognised not just for their feats on the cricket field, but for their work since retiring as commentators and broadcasters.
Yasir has only played 35 Tests and 19 ODIs, but has arguably already joined them in the pantheon of Pakistani greats. Against New Zealand last year, he became the fastest bowler, in terms of matches played, to take 200 Test wickets. He holds the record for the best figures by a Pakistan spinner – 14/184 v New Zealand.
“The three are deserving recipients,” quoted a release from the Pakistan Cricket Board. “Wasim and Waqar are highly-respected commentators and have played their role in enhancing the image of Pakistan and cricket as broadcasters, while Yasir has had a lion’s share in Pakistan’s major Test wins in the recent past.”
