Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday has formally inducted former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis in PCB Hall of Fame.

The legendary right-arm pacer, who took a total of 789 wickets and scored 1,979 runs during his international career from 1989 to 2003, has been inducted into the elite list of PCB’s Hall of Fame.

Pakistan’s great, accompanied by his mother and wife, was awarded a commemorative cap and plaque by the Chief Executive Officer PCB, Faisal Hasnain, during the ongoing Test match between Pakistan and Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium.

As per the statement issued by the PCB, Waqar took 50 or more wickets against New Zealand, Zimbabwe (62), Sri Lanka (56), West Indies (55) and England (50). In ODIs, he took 84 wickets against Sri Lanka, followed by New Zealand (79), West Indies (60), South Africa (58), India (37), England (30), Australia (29) and Zimbabwe (23).

The statement further stated that the cricketer played seven Tests at the Gaddafi Stadium and took 29 wickets with seven for 86 against New Zealand in October 1990 as his best. In 12 ODIs at this iconic venue, Waqar took 14 wickets with four for 26 against the Netherlands in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 1996 as his best figures.

For his meritorious services to Pakistan cricket, Waqar already has a stand dedicated in his name at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

In a PCB released statement, Waqar said that he is feeling proud to be inducted into the PCB Hall of Fame and for becoming a part of an elite list that features legends like Abdul Qadir, Fazal Mahmood, and Hanif Mohammad.

“Representing Pakistan was the fulfilment of my dream and I still get thrilled to remember that moment,” he said.

The former captain also lauded the PCB for this great initiative of honouring its legends and acknowledging their services to this great sport.

"And to be awarded by the Pakistan Cricket Board with this honour 19 years after I last represented my country is just the icing on the cake, for which I am grateful to them."

The PCB Hall of Fame was launched in April 2021 following the Board of Governors' approval at its 62nd meeting with the sole objective being to honour and celebrate the achievements of some of the greatest cricketers produced by this proud country as well as to preserve Pakistan cricket history.

The initial inductees were six members of the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame — Hanif Mohammad, Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Zaheer Abbas.

On 16 October 2021, the six stalwarts were joined by Abdul Qadir and Fazal Mahmood who were selected by an independent voting panel.