Waqar Younis enters ICC Hall of Fame

Younis joins Hanif Muhammad, Javed Miandad, Imran Khan and Wasim Akram in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame at Lord’s.

Former Pakistani right-arm fast bowler Waqar Younis became the fifth Pakistani cricketer to be added by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame at Lord’s, Express News reported on Monday.

Younis along with former Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist were inducted in this prestigious list today.

The fast bowler will be honoured by the governing body during the Twenty20 international between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Dubai.

"I am delighted at Waqar Younis' induction into the ICC's Hall of Fame, and congratulate him on joining this most exclusive of clubs.  "This is a signal honour for any cricketer, with Waqar being only the 70th  to have been bestowed it thus far. The PCB rejoices at Waqar's recognition and honour," said Najam Sethi, Chairman PCB.

Younis claimed 373 wickets in 87 Tests and 416 wickets in 262 one-day internationals before retiring after the 2003 World Cup. He now works as a television commentator.

"It's a huge honour for me," said the 42-year-old Younis, "I'm truly grateful to the people who've considered me worthy of such an honour."

In July 2010, cricket legend Imran Khan had become the fourth Pakistani to be inducted formally into the Hall of Fame.

Imran had joined batsmen Hanif Muhammad and Javed Miandad as Pakistan’s representatives in the initial intake of 55 players into the Hall of Fame, a joint venture between the ICC and the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations. Wasim Akram, who was voted in at the end of 2009, joined the trio last year.

Gilchrist

Gilchrist, also a prolific batsman, was a three-time World Cup winner in 1999, 2003 and 2007.

He played 96 Tests during a 12-year career that ended in 2008, making 5,570 runs and claiming 416 dismissals behind the stumps.

In 287 one-day internationals, he scored 9,619 runs and dismissed 472 batsmen.

"I am delighted to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, and to be doing it in front of my home crowd on the first day of the third Test will be a very special occasion for me and my family," Gilchrist, 42, said in the same statement.

The induction of Younis and Gilchrist takes the tally of male cricketers in the Hall of Fame to 71, while two more players will be added by the end of the month, the ICC said.