LAHORE: Former Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq arrived at the Allama Iqbal International Airport on Wednesday morning to rapturous fans waiting for him at the airport.
The cricketing great is returning after Pakistan’s historic defeat of the West Indies in the Caribbean.
Showered by rose petals and welcomed with cheers, Misbah, accompanied by his wife, was greeted by family members, PCB officials and fans as he walked out of the arrival lounge.
“It’s an honour for me,” Misbah expressed his gratitude to the cheering crowd.
“I am happy with my performance. Winning in the West Indies will be something I will always remember,” the former test captain said as he spoke to journalists at the airport.
“The credit for this accomplishment goes to the Pakistan Cricket Board, the players’ families, and the whole team,” he added.
Pondering over his recent milestone, Misbah said, “We have accomplished a feat many teams across the world only dream of.”
“These sort of victories will help bring fresh talent into the spotlight. It is crucial that we keep succeeding like this,” the recently retired cricketer noted.
“I’m grateful to the nation for all their prayers and support.”
Earlier this week, Pakistan won a thrilling third and final Test with six balls to spare to clinch a first series victory in the West Indies, giving a fitting farewell to farewell to the now-retired captain.
“This was just incredible,†Misbah said after Shannon Gabriel dragged a wide delivery from Yasir Shah onto his stumps with just six balls left in the game to trigger Pakistani celebrations as the West Indies were dismissed for 202 to lose the series 2-1.
“I am thankful for myself, the team and all supporters of Pakistan cricket that we were able to pull it off,” Misbah said.
Politicians and fans took to twitter to pay their tributes to the national team after the historic win, posting messages of love and praise for Misbah.
‘ThankYouMisbah’ trended on social media as well as people were quick to remember the team’s most successful test captain.
Pakistan Super League champions Peshawar Zalmi called it the ‘end of an era’.
