KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally inducted the batting great and former captain, Zaheer Abbas, into the Hall of Fame, here on Saturday.

Zaheer, who is one of the most stylish and elegant batters to ever play this great sport, has been formally inducted into the PCB Hall of fame during the lunch break of the second Test between Pakistan and Australia at the National Stadium.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) PCB Faisal Hasnain presented a commemorative cap and plaque to the legendary batter.

Zaheer, who is also known as ‘Asian Bradman’, scored 5,062 runs in 78 Tests at an average of 44.79 with 12 centuries. In ODIs however, he struck seven centuries in 62 matches; scoring 2,572 runs at an average of 47.62.

The right-handed batter is also the only Asian batter to score a century of first-class centuries as he concluded his outstanding 459-match career with 108 centuries and 158 half-centuries; amassing 34,843 runs at an average of 51.5.

In a PCB released statement, Zaheer said he is humbled to be recognized in a respectful and honourable manner, also said it has been a privilege to represent Pakistan.

“I feel humbled to have been recognised in such a respectful and honourable manner by my parent organisation at my home ground, during play of my favourite format of the game and in front of passionate cricket fans, who have also played an integral part throughout my cricketing career,” the statement read.

“It has been a privilege to have represented Pakistan for nearly two decades and contribute [to] the national side’s growth in terms of stature and reputation. It was a delight to play with and against some of the all-time greats in an era when cricket regulations and playing conditions were not as stringent as today. Of course, the opportunities were also limited as compared to today, but the rewards, appreciation and acknowledgement [were] always extremely high and satisfying,” he was quoted saying.

The former batting great also stated that he is pleased to see a full-strength Australian side playing at the National Stadium after a massive gap of 24 years.

Taking to Twitter, the PCB shared the picture of Faisal presenting the commemorative cap and plaque to Zaheer.

It is pertinent to mention here that after Colin Cowdrey and Sir Clyde Walcott, Zaheer was just the third former cricketer to become an ICC President.

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