Former greats react to their inclusion in PCB Hall of Fame

Inzamam-ul-Haq: Representing Pakistan during an era with such high-caliber players was a privilege and their influence played a vital role in my growth and development as a batter

Misbah-ul-Haq: Representing Pakistan was an absolute privilege, captaining the team was a profound honor and this recognition by the Pakistan Cricket Board serves as the perfect crowning achievement of my journey

Mushtaq Mohammad: I feel privileged to have played alongside and against some of the most outstanding cricketers and thorough gentlemen, who played hard while always upholding the true spirit of the game

Saeed Anwar: It’s humbling to join the ranks of my childhood heroes and teammates with whom I shared and celebrated some of the most defining moments of Pakistan cricket

Lahore, 10 January 2025: FORMER greats Inzamam-ul-Haq, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mushtaq Mohammad and Saeed Anwar have thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board for inducting them in the PCB Hall of Fame, which now has 14 cricketers since its inception in April 2021.

INZAMAM-UL-HAQ (Leading run-scorer for Pakistan in ODI cricket [11,701] and third in the list of Pakistan Test run-scorers [8,829]. Off his 25 Test centuries, 17 were in winning matches; seven of his 10 ODI centuries earned Pakistan victories)

“I am deeply honoured to be inducted into the PCB Hall of Fame, joining a group of remarkable cricketers from my generation and those before me. To be recognised by the parent organisation of Pakistan cricket is truly special and I hope this initiative continues to inspire current and future generations of cricketers.

“My journey as a professional cricketer, representing Pakistan on the world stage for nearly 16 years, has been unforgettable. Competing across all Test playing nations, I am proud to say that the respect, recognition and love I have received throughout my career - both then and now - is because of Pakistan. Every run, half-century, century and victory, whether as a player or as a captain, has been cherished by our passionate fans, making each achievement more meaningful.

“I owe immense gratitude to my fellow cricketers, dedicated support staff and my family, without whom this journey would not have been possible. Representing Pakistan during an era with such high-caliber players was a privilege and their influence played a vital role in my growth and development as a batter.”

MISBAH-UL-HAQ (Member of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2009 winning side. Captained Pakistan to No.1 in ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings in 2016. Pakistan’s most successful Test captain who signed off on his career in 2017 by leading Pakistan to their only Test series victory to date in the West Indies)

“I am deeply honoured and humbled to be inducted into the PCB Hall of Fame, joining a distinguished group of Pakistan’s finest cricketers who have not only excelled in the game but have also elevated the country’s image on the global stage.

“Representing Pakistan was an absolute privilege, captaining the team was a profound honour and this recognition by the Pakistan Cricket Board serves as the perfect crowning achievement of my journey.

“Being acknowledged by your parent organisation, alongside the appreciation of cricketing experts and fellow players is both gratifying and fulfilling. It is a testament to the dedication, relentless effort and sacrifices that went into meeting the highest standards of international cricket and translating those preparations into memorable performances.

“I have been incredibly fortunate to have shared the field with some of the most talented and skilled cricketers, whose support and camaraderie enabled me to grow and improve throughout my career. As a captain, I had the privilege of leading players who were committed, passionate and driven to give their all for Pakistan. Their contributions were instrumental in shaping some of the most iconic moments in our cricketing history. For that, I remain deeply grateful.

“I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the unwavering support of our fans, whose passion and enthusiasm have always been a source of strength and inspiration. Lastly, my deepest gratitude goes to my family, whose sacrifices and encouragement allowed me to pursue and achieve my dreams. This honor belongs as much to them as it does to me.”

MUSHTAQ MOHAMMAD (Made Test debut at 15 years 124 days and scored maiden Test century at 17 years 78 days. Captained Pakistan to first Test victory in Australia in 1977. Played in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 1975 in England and coached the national side in the 1999 event in the same country. Was the first Pakistan men’s team coach in 1980-81)

“To be honored and recognised 45 years after playing my last match for Pakistan is truly humbling. Joining a small group of some of the finest cricketers, including my legendary brother Hanif, is even more gratifying. I am deeply grateful to the Pakistan Cricket Board for once again demonstrating its affection, love and care for those who have served this great game with distinction.

“Being part of the Pakistan cricket team during its formative years was both exciting and rewarding. Despite having fewer playing opportunities, dealing with uncovered or matting pitches and facing fearsome fast bowlers without any restrictions on bouncers with insufficient protective gears, our matches were highly competitive and, followed and cherished by the Pakistani cricket fans, whose hearts have always beat for cricket since our very first Test in 1952.

“I feel privileged to have played alongside and against some of the most outstanding cricketers and thorough gentlemen, who played hard while always upholding the true spirit of the game.

“I am delighted to follow the growth of Pakistan cricket and the Pakistan Cricket Board, and I hope the current and future generation of cricketers will continue to bring more laurels, honours and trophies for Pakistan and its fans worldwide.”

SAEED ANWAR (In 1993, struck three successive ODI centuries in Sharjah. Scored 194 against India in Chennai to break Viv Richards’ long-standing record for the highest individual score in ODIs. In 1999 in Kolkata, became just the third Pakistan batter to carry his bat through a Test innings while scoring a match-winning 188)

“I am deeply grateful to the independent panel for inducting me into the PCB Hall of Fame. Receiving this recognition from the Pakistan Cricket Board is an immense honour that fills me with pride. It’s humbling to join the ranks of my childhood heroes and teammates with whom I shared and celebrated some of the most defining moments of Pakistan cricket.

“As an opening batter, I was privileged to play in an era graced by some of the most talented and accomplished cricketers who represented Pakistan. I cherished every moment of laying the foundation for our team, taking on the world’s best bowlers, and partnering with match-winners to bring joy to our fans. I am deeply grateful to the Almighty for bestowing upon me the skills, patience and strength needed to represent this great nation and be part of an exceptional team for nearly 14 years.

“My journey had its challenges, but it was a privilege to face them head-on. Each match I played for Pakistan holds a special place in my heart, though missing out on the ICC Cricket World Cup 1992 remains a regret.

“This journey, filled with triumphs and lessons, wouldn’t have been complete without the overwhelming support of our fans and the camaraderie of my teammates.”

Independent Panel that voted for the 2024 inductions in the PCB Hall of Fame: Wasim Akram, Zaheer Abbas (both PCB Hall of Famers), Azhar Ali (former Pakistan captain), Bismah Maroof, Nain Abidi (both former women international cricketers), Majid Bhatti, Mohi Shah, Mohammad Yaqoob, Nauman Niaz, Sawera Pasha and Zahid Maqsood (cricket journalists/analysts).

Other PCB Hall of Fame members: Abdul Qadir, AH Kardar, Fazal Mahmood, Hanif Mohammad, Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Younis Khan and Zaheer Abbas

Note to Editors: Each year, the PCB inducts two former cricketers in the PCB Hall of Fame. Four inductions have been made for 2024 as there were no inductions in 2023.

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