Youngsters pay tribute to Misbah, Younus for services

Umar, Rehman, Asif, Talat, Yamin, Mir salute retiring veterans

Pakistan youngsters sent tributes and salutes Misbahul Haq and Younus Khan’s way as the players participate in their last Test against West Indies at Roseau.

In a video message for the Pakistan Cricket Team’s Facebook page, all-rounders Hussain Talat, Amer Yamin, Bilal Asif, Test cricketer Abdul Rehman, middle-order batsman Umar Akmal and leg-spinner Usama Mir sent out messages to the veterans for the invaluable services.

“We are very lucky that we got the opportunity to play with Misbah and Younus. Their contributions for Pakistan are innumerable,” said Talat.

Yamin, meanwhile, praised Misbah and Younus’ contribution for the country. “It is our pride that Pakistan produced great players such as Misbah and Younus. Misbah is the best captain for Pakistan, as per everyone. Then Younus became the first Pakistan to score 10,000 runs, they gave us something to be proud of,” said Yamin.

Left-arm spinner Rehman said such players come once in a lifetime and he is happy that they are being given a proper farewell.

“First of all I would like to congratulate them on receiving such honours before leaving, I am very happy for them. No such players would ever serve Pakistan like Misbah and Younus have. Such great players are produced once in a lifetime and one has to work really hard for that,” said Rehman.

Right-hand middle-order batsman Umar said Misbah always led the juniors with example. “I have played under Misbah. He always led the way for junior players. I would like to thank him personally for everything. I would also like to congratulate Younus for completing 10,000 runs,” said Umar.

All-rounder Bilal Asif thanked Misbah and Younus for lifting the name of Pakistan higher. “They are world renowned and I would like to wish them the very best. I wish they would win their last Test so that they can be remembered always and I would like to salute them for uplifting the name of Pakistan,” said Asif.

Leg-spinner Mir, before sending out a salute for the veterans, said Pakistan cricket will miss Misbah and Younus. “I would like to wish them good luck. And I would only like to say that we will miss you both,” said Mir.