2016 has been quite a roller coaster ride for Pakistanis.
From the rise of ‘Chai Wala’ to the passing away of Amjad Sabri, Edhi Sahab, Qandeel Baloch, and Junaid Jamshed.
And from 14-year-olds entering Google’s Hall of Fame to Pakistan bagging 2nd Oscars award to the launch of PSL.
We experienced moments of pride, sadness, excitement, and happiness.
But one man made us feel proud, over and over again in 2016.
Pakistan Test Cricket captain, Misbah-Ul-Haq gave us several moments in 2016 to feel proud of our country.
Read: Misbah Pays Half Fee For Fans Surgery
On Thursday, Misbah-Ul-Haq was honored with the ICC’s Spirit of Cricket Award.
He has become the first ever Pakistani to get the prestigious award which has so far only been given to 5 other men including MS Dhoni (2011), Daniel Vettori (2012), Mahela Jayawardena (2013), Katherine Brunt (2014) and Brendon McCullum (2015).
The ICC Spirit of Cricket Award is handed over to players who enables their team to play the game in its true spirit.
Read: Misbah Receives Test Mace
Misbah-Ul-Haq enabled Pakistan to play cricket in its true spirit.
He brought Pakistan’s Test Ranking to the top of the table without any match being played at home.
Upon hearing the news, Misbah expressed his pleasure and sent out a message to the country, especially to those who think age can become a barrier to achieving success.
I feel honored 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.
Read: Misbah Sets A New Trend
He further added that he was very pleased with ICC for noticing the collective effort of the team.
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.