“I feel honoured and humbled to have won the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq etched his name in the record books after becoming the first Pakistani player to win the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Spirit of Cricket Award.

The 42-year-old was bestowed with the honour as he captained his country from fourth place into first on the Test team rankings.

Furthermore, Misbah has been one of the driving forces, both with the bat and with his captaincy, in helping Pakistan cricket thrive once again.

“The 42-year-old was adjudged the winner for inspiring his side to play the game in its true spirit, at the same time lifting the Pakistan cricket team from number four to number one on the ICC Test team rankings,” an ICC media release said. “Remarkably, this was achieved without playing any Test matches in his home country.”

Misbah was over the moon to have won the award, and said: “I feel honoured and humbled to have won the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award. To lift the Test mace earlier this year and now this, in the twilight of my career, is a message for every athlete that age is not a barrier as long as the sportsperson maintains highest fitness levels and continues to perform up to international standards.

“As a team, we have focused on playing within the rich traditions of the sport with a positive mindset and approach so that we can entertain the spectators and fans, and at the same time, challenge the oppositions. I am glad that this has been noticed and recognised by the game’s governing body.”