Pakistan captain Babar Azam has received the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, the country’s third-highest civilian honour. He deserves this. He is an icon for his country. I really appreciate the Government of Pakistan for bestowing this award on this youth icon.  Babar, Pakistan’s captain in all formats of cricket, was given the award by Governor of Pakistan’s Punjab state Muhammad Baligh on Wednesday, according to information in the Pakistan media. At just 28 years old Babar Azam becomes the youngest recipient of the Sitara-e-Imtiaz.

Babar also joins an esteemed list of former cricketers that includes Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Sarfraz Ahmed, Mohammad Yousuf, Saeed Ajmal, Javed Miandad and Inzamam-ul-Haq that have been previously awarded the same medal for their contribution to the game. He is indeed an excellent ambassador of the game. He carries elegance with him. Despite so much success, Babar has kept his feet grounded and has never showed off. I am sure he will achieve greater heights in life. Well deserved, Babar. I am sure he will feel more responsible after this award. Lots of international and Pakistani players can learn from the Pakistani skipper.

Jamshed Khan,
By email