PCB chief gives away crystal plaque to Umar

ISLAMABAD: Fast bowler Umar Gul was honoured in Lahore on Monday for his record figures of five for six in T20Is when PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani presented him with a crystal plaque.

The ceremony took place in the PCB chairman’s office after the third Twenty20 International between Pakistan and Bangladesh was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Umar Gul recorded figures of 3-0-6-5 against New Zealand at The Oval in Pakistan’s successful ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2009 journey in England. Umar was the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 13 wickets as Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka in the final at Lord’s by eight wickets.

Umar’s 5-6 remained a world record until Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis took 4-1-16-6 against Australia in Pallekele in August 2011. India’s Deepak Chahar presently holds the record for best bowling performance following his figures of 3.2-0-7-6 against Bangladesh in Nagpur in November 2019.

Umar Gul followed up his five for six with 2.2-0-6-5 four years later against South Africa at Centurion.

After receiving the crystal plaque from Mani, Umar said: “My each and every appearance and performance has been for Pakistan and it has been a privilege to represent my country and team, and play a small part in its successes.

“I am grateful to the PCB for remembering and acknowledging my achievement. This is a welcome change in the way the PCB is operating and respecting cricketers who have contributed in the country’s image and profile building. I sincerely hope this trend continues and all the cricketers get their due recognition in front of their fans.”