Umar Gul honored by the PCB for his services to cricket

He thanked PCB for acknowledging his achievements.

Umar Gul hasn't retired yet | Getty Images

Pakistani pacer Umar Gul was honored for his contribution to cricket by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in Lahore on Monday (January 27).

PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani awarded Gul a crystal plaque for his then-world record bowling figures in the 2009 T20 World Cup as well as his services to the game of cricket in a ceremony arranged in his honor at his office after the third and final T20I washed out against Bangladesh in Lahore.

The fast-bowler had recorded stupendous figures of 3-0-6-5 against New Zealand at The Oval a decade or so ago and then went on to finish as 2009 ICC event’s leading wicket-taker with 13 scalps to his name to help Pakistan to win the T20 World Cup in England.

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Gul’s figures had remained the world record until Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis took 4-1-16-6 against Australia in Pallekele in 2011, though; India’s Deepak Chahar is currently holding the record for best bowling performance with his figures of 3.2-0-7-6 against Bangladesh in Nagpur last November.

On the honor by the PCB, the Peshawar-born pacer said: “My each and every appearance and performance has been for Pakistan and it has been a privilege to represent my country and team, and play a small part in its successes.”

The 35-year-old continued, “I am grateful to the PCB for remembering and acknowledging my achievement. This is a welcome change in the way the PCB is operating and respecting cricketers who have contributed to the country’s image and profile building. I sincerely hope this trend continues and all the cricketers get their due recognition in front of their fans.”

Gul signed off by saying, “Such gestures will not only act as an encouragement for the players but also play a big role in motivating youngsters to take up cricket as a profession.”

Noteworthy, four years later, Umar had once again shown his genius to the world and managed to pull off a sensational match-winning performance for Pakistan against South Africa at Centurion, registering figures of 2.2-0-6-5.

However, the pacer’s career has been marred by injuries and lengthy arduous rehabilitations, but he managed to play 47 Tests, 130 ODIs and 60 T20Is for his country since making his debut in 2003. His last international appearance came in 2013 against South Africa.

(With The Nation Inputs)

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 28 Jan, 2020

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