Pakistan’s most prolific batsman-ever Javed Miandad feels an honor to have five cricketers name listed in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket Hall of Fame saying though Pakistan has played few cricket as compared to the other countries but our players are no lesser than others when it comes to cricketing skills.

England and Austrlia, who played the first-ever cricket Test 136 years ago in 1877, have 26 and 19 players respectively in the Hall of Fame.

West Indies have 17 entries while at no.4 spot, Pakistan is better even than arch-rival India who boast just three Hall of Fame figures, followed by South Africa?s two and New Zealand?s one. Pakistani players listed in the Hall of Fame include besides Waqar include Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Hanif Mohammad and Wasim Akram.

Talking to APP, Miandad said Pakistan has played lesser cricket than the other countries and still it has five greats listed in the Hall of Fame which is a pride for the country.

Imran was the finest cricketer Pakistan has produced and the biggest heartthrob. He produced a new era in the subcontinent in the 1970s and 1980s,? he said adding people dreamt of bowling fast and wanted to emulate Imran in his era.

Miandad said Imran led Pakistan to their first series victory in England in 1987, taking 10 for 77 with an imperious display in the decisive victory at Headingley.

Speaking of Hanif Mohammed, Miandad said Hanif was the first star of Pakistan cricket, the “Little Master” who played the longest innings in Test history his 970 minute 337 against West Indies in Bridgetown in 1957.

Talking about Wasim Akram, Miandad said he had complete mastery over swing and seam, and sometimes moved the ball both ways in one delivery.

Akram is rated by many as the best left-arm fast bowler of all time.
When batting, he used to hit the ball like a kicking horse, but batman-ship was one skill in which Akram underachieved, he said adding it was also an honor for the country when Wasim reached the 500-wicket landmark in ODIs in the 2003 World Cup.

Commenting on the latest announcement by ICC to induct Waqar Younis name in the Hall of Fame, Miandad said Waqar was the man who really put the reverse into swing. ?Waqar bucked the 1980s trend of pitching fast and short by pitching fast and full,? he added.

Courtesy: BUSINESS RECORDER