Pakistan's four legendary cricketers Inzamam-ul-Haq, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mushtaq Mohammad and Saeed Anwar have been inducted into the PCB Hall of Fame for 2024.
4 legendary Pakistan cricketers inducted into PCB's Hall of Fame
This prestigious recognition places them alongside a distinguished group of cricketing icons, including Abdul Qadir, A.H. Kardar, Fazal Mahmood, Hanif Mohammad, Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Younis Khan, and Zaheer Abbas.
Typically, the PCB inducts two former cricketers into the Hall of Fame each year. However, due to the absence of inductions in 2023, a special exception was made this year, resulting in the induction of four deserving legends.
"On behalf of the Pakistan Cricket Board, I extend heartfelt congratulations to these four cricketing legends on their well-deserved inductions into the PCB Hall of Fame. This honour represents a tribute to their outstanding contributions to Pakistan cricket and to the global game," PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said in a statement released by the board.
"Mushtaq Mohammad is regarded as one of Pakistan's finest captains, known for his astute leadership and inspiring style. Inzamam-ul-Haq's immense talent and match-winning ability have left an indelible mark on the sport. Misbah-ul-Haq took charge of the Pakistan team during challenging times, guiding it to the pinnacle of Test rankings and achieving a historic series win in the Caribbean. Saeed Anwar, with his natural grace and classical technique, redefined the role of an opener and thrived against some of the world's best bowlers under all conditions," Naqvi's statement further read.
"Pakistan is fortunate to have produced such extraordinary players who have showcased their skill and sportsmanship on the global stage. I hope that our aspiring cricketers will look up to these icons and strive to follow in their footsteps, carrying forward their legacy and continuing to strengthen Pakistan's position as a cricketing powerhouse," he added.
Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq holds a significant place in the country's cricketing history. He is the leading run-scorer for Pakistan in One Day Internationals (ODIs), having amassed 11,701 runs. In Test cricket, he ranks third on the list of all-time run-scorers for Pakistan with 8,829 runs. Inzamam, renowned for his resilience against spin bowling, captained Pakistan in 31 Test matches, achieving 11 wins, nine draws, and 11 losses. He also led the team in 87 ODIs, securing 51 victories, 33 losses, and three no-results. His impact extended beyond his individual performances. A remarkable 17 of his 25 Test centuries contributed to Pakistan's victories, while seven of his 10 ODI centuries played a crucial role in securing wins for the team.
Misbah-ul-Haq is celebrated for his exceptional batting technique. As captain, he led Pakistan in 56 Test matches, securing 26 victories. He also captained the team in 87 One Day Internationals (ODIs), including the 2015 World Cup, and eight Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Misbah's ODI career is unique. He amassed an impressive 5,122 runs in 162 matches, a remarkable feat considering he never scored a century in this format. Despite achieving 42 half-centuries, the elusive hundred remained out of his reach. Beyond his individual achievements, Misbah played an instrumental role in Pakistan's triumph at the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup.
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Mushtaq Mohammad, a versatile cricketer known for his aggressive playing style, made immense contributions to Pakistani cricket during his career. He played in 57 Test matches between 1959 and 1979, scoring 3,643 runs and claiming 79 wickets. Mushtaq Mohammad also excelled in leadership roles. He captained Pakistan in 19 Test matches from 1976 to 1979, achieving eight victories, seven draws, and four losses. Notably, under his captaincy, Pakistan achieved a historic first Test victory in Australia, in Sydney during 1977.
Saeed Anwar, a flamboyant batter known for his elegant strokeplay, showcased remarkable resilience throughout his career. After a disappointing debut where he scored a pair, he bounced back strongly with a magnificent 169 runs in his third Test match. He continued to excel in Test cricket, ultimately accumulating 4,052 runs, including 11 centuries in 55 matches. He also served as the captain of the Pakistan team in seven Test matches. Anwar's exceptional batting prowess extended beyond Test cricket. He achieved remarkable success in One Day Internationals (ODIs), scoring 8,824 runs in 247 matches. Notably, a significant portion of his runs, 7,227, were scored in away matches.