Pakistan‘s legendary bowlers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis received the country’s second-highest civilian award – the Hilal-e-Imtiaz – on Saturday.
The Pakistan government conferred the award on the occasion of Pakistan Day. Leg-spinner Yasir Shah also received the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s third-highest civilian award.
Shah took to Twitter to thank the government for giving him the award.
“Pakistan, thanks again for the honor of Sitar-e-Imtiaz. I am deeply humbled,” he tweeted.
Mere watan
— Yasir Shah (@Shah64Y) March 23, 2019
Ye Aqeedatain
Or pyar tujh pe nisaaar ker don!
On #PakistanDay let's revive our pledge to serve this beautiful country of ours with all our might, grit & determination.
Pakistan, thanks again for the honor of #SitareImtiaz. I am deeply humbled. #PakistanZindaabad pic.twitter.com/XfeZ0lLTjZ
Upon the announcement of the decision by the government, the Pakistan Cricket Board had hailed the players for their contribution to the game.
“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.”
Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis receiving the Hilal-i-Imtiaz which is the second highest Pakistani civilian award and is given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their fields and that have led to international recognition pic.twitter.com/ABW25h0fz6
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) March 23, 2019
