Pakistan cricket legends Zaheer Abbas, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis have expressed their delight at their induction in the first-ever PCB Hall of Fame list, Daily Times reported.

Abbas (78 Tests, 5062 runs at 44.79, 12 100s; 62 ODIs, 2572 runs at 47.62, 7 100s) said: “I feel truly humbled and at the same time delighted to be induced in the PCB Hall of Fame. My advice to the youngsters would be to ensure that they continue to work hard as nothing is impossible to achieve provided you work towards it with total determination and commitment.

Akram (104 Tests, 414 wickets at 23.62: 356 ODIs, 502 wickets at 23.52) said: “I want to congratulate the PCB on launching this initiative, this will go a long way in further motivating the players.”

 Younis (87 Tests, 373 wickets, at 23.56, 262 ODIs, 416 wickets at 23.84) said: “For someone like me who has been a part of the game for more than 30 years, it comes as a matter of great satisfaction that my services for the country are being recognised. As a player, captain, coach and commentator, I have a long and cherished association with the game and this induction has brought me a lot of delight and a sense of fulfilment.”

Former Pakistan captains Hanif Mohammad, Imran Khan and Javed Miandad are the other three initial inductees, the report said.

The first group of six PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) Hall of Famers are the Pakistan members of the ICC (International Cricket Council) Hall of Fame and have hence earned an automatic induction.

There will be three more inductions each year from 2021 with the inductees to be chosen by an independent panel and announced on 16 October, day one of Pakistan’s inaugural Test in 1952.

Players retired from international cricket for, at least, five years will be eligible for induction into the PCB Hall of Fame.

(SAM)