KARACHI: Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed on Friday became the youngest Pakistan cricketer to receive the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, the third highest civil award of Pakistan. 30-year-old Sarfaraz, who led Pakistan to the ICC Champions Trophy title last year, was conferred with the award by Governor Sindh Mohammad Zubair at the Governor House in Karachi. Former captain Younis Khan was also awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz earlier Friday as nation celebrated Pakistan Day. Two other cricketers Misbahul Haq and Shahid Afridi were also nominated by the government to receive the Sitara-e-Imtiaz this year. Before them, only four cricketers had received the Sitara-e-Imtiaz for their services which include Javed Miandad in 1992, Inzamamul Haq in 2005, Mohammad Yousuf in 2011, and Saeed Ajmal in 2015.
After receiving the award, Sarfaraz said such an honour would encourage him to do more for the country. “It is matter of great honour for me and my family,” Sarfraz said. “Whatever I am today is because of Pakistan and I will continue to serve my country in every capacity I am in,” he said, adding that this award was very encouraging for a youngster like him.
Published in Daily Times, March 24th 2018.