LAHORE, Pakistan, Feb 18 (AFP) - Star Pakistan pacer and former skipper Wasim Akram has been given a gold medal as a lifetime achievement award by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
The medal was given Thursday at a function attended by Pakistan and Sri Lankan teams and officials. Media was not invited to the ceremony.
Wasim told AFP he has always felt priviliged in playing for Pakistan and has a resolve to achieve the world record of most wickets in future.
''This award comes as a satisfaction and is an acknowledgement of my contributions for Pakistan,'' he said.
''I have been under tremendous pressure due to baseless allegations on me and due to some other reasons and this comes as a relief,'' he said.
Wasim relinquished captaincy after Pakistan was blanked 3-0 in the test series by Australia in Australia late last year.
They were later beaten 2-0 in tri-series finals by Steve Waugh's world champion team.
''You tend to get so much disturbed but awards and acknowledgement soothe you and give you self pride,'' he said.
Wasim showed resolve to set the world record for most wickets in test cricket.
''My 410 wickets (in one day internaionals) is a record for Pakistan and I take pride in it,'' Wasim said.
''I am fit and can do this. I am motivated to achieve that for Pakistan,'' he said.
Wasim is 51 wickets away from Indian pacer Kapil Dev's world record of 434 wickets in test cricket.
Asked if Pakistan could again fall back on him as captain in the wake of dismal show against Sri Lanka, he said: ''I have enough of it, no way,'' he said.
Pakistan face Sri Lanka in the first test starting in Rawalpindi from February 26 and will tour West Indies in April for a three match test series and a triangular tournament.
''Yes, Pakistan have never beaten West Indies in West Indies but I can help that come about as a player,'' he said. |
