"Both these batsmen have given so much to the sport and fans over their careers," he said and added, "Misbah has been the bedrock of many Pakistani innings, time and time again extricating his team from difficult situations with a terrific temperament." David said Misbah knew how to graft for his runs but could also be inventive and score at a brisk pace, as was evident during his impressive 56-ball century against Australia in 2014 in Abu Dhabi, which equalized Viv Richards' world record. Misbah was a leader who took charge at a difficult time and led the team on a journey to the No 1 position in the ICC Test rankings.
Misbah was a true sportsman and role model, deservingly winning the ICC's Spirit of Cricket Award for 2016," said the ICC Chief Executive. "Younis has been one of Pakistan's finest batsmen, also often coming up with his best efforts when the chips were down. A triple-century in Tests at home against Sri Lanka and a double-century in a series-leveling effort in India are just a couple of the performances that have placed him in a league above the rest," said ICC official.
"A particularly fine player of spin bowling, Younis was also an able captain who led Pakistan in all three formats of the game with the highlight being victory in the ICC World Twenty20 in England in 2009," he asserted. "On behalf of ICC, I congratulate both these batsmen on their wonderful careers and wish them every success in whatever they pursue in the years to come," he maintained.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2017