Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam has finally received his Sitara-e-Imtiaz during the 23rd March ceremony at Lahore.
Governor Punjab Muhammad Baligh Ur Rehman awarded Azam his medal for exceptional services in cricket.
At just 28 years old Babar Azam becomes the youngest recipient of the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, the third highest civilian honour which can be awarded to a citizen.
“Immense honour to have received Sitara-e-Imtiaz in the presence of my mother and father,” he wrote on his Twitter.
“This award is for my parents, fans and the people of (Pakistan).
Immense honour to have received Sitara-e-Imtiaz in the presence of my mother and father.
This award is for my parents, fans and the people of 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/Gafwlu3rUC
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) March 23, 2023
He also joins an esteemed list of former cricketers including Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Sarfraz Ahmed, Mohammad Yousuf, Saeed Ajmal, Javed Miandad and Inzamam ul Haq who have all been previously awarded the same medal for their contributions to the game.
Babar was among the 253 personalities who were announced as recipients of civilian awards on 14th August last year but had to wait until today to finally collect his medal.
The right-hander has quickly become the face of Pakistan cricket since breaking into the international side. His meteoric rise has seen him break numerous records and earn several accolades for both himself and his nation.
Barring any ill fate, he will continue to lead Pakistan in a crucial year for the cricket team with the 2023 Asia Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup set to take place this year.
