KARACHI: Former cricketers and noted critics from all over the world paid rich tributes to departing Pakistan cricket greats Misbah-ul Haq and Younis Khan on Monday, lauding their invaluable services for the country and the game during the past decade and a half.

Former skipper Imran Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Dean Jones, Matthew Hayden, Waqar Younis, Michael Vaughan, Russell Arnold, Sanjay Manjrekar and others tweeted congratulatory messages to the two, praising them for their tremendous achievements and wishing them well for the future.

“Congratulations to Misbah & Younis for their great achievements for Pak and for retiring with a grace and dignity that few sportsmen are blessed with,” said World Cup winning skipper Imran in his tweet early Monday morning.

Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq in his tweet said: “Shabash Boys .. What a historic test series win for Pakistan! This one is for Pakistan for Misbah and Younis.”

Former Aussie batsman and coach of Islamabad United Dean Jones was all praise for the two greats as he tweeted, “Congratul­ations to Misbah & Younis on their magnificent and brilliant careers. You both are great mentors for the youth of Pakistan!”

Jones also called on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to arrange two testimonial matches in Pakistan as a thank you gesture for their contribution to the country’s cricket. “The PCB should put on 2 Testimonial matches in Pakistan for Misbah and Younis playing against a World XI! As a thank you for their service,” he said.

Similar remarks came from former Aussie opener Matthew Hayden on twitter: “What unbelievable records from these 2 outstanding war horses, congratulations Younis Khan & Misbah-ul-Haq.”

Sri Lanka’s former all-rounder Russell Arnold said: “Congratulations on fantastic careers @captainmisbahpk & Younis Khan #MisYou Great ambassadors for the game .. Go well in retirement!!”

Former off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq termed the duo as legends of Pakistan cricket. “We are proud of them, they’re legends of Pakistan cricket and have led Pakistan to so many victories,” Saqlain was quoted as saying.

Ex-England skipper Michael Vaughan was not far behind and praised the departing Pakistani duo in his tweet. “Huge respect ... Younis Khan & @captainmisbahpk ... Great players & more importantly Great people.”

Former Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene wished the Pakistan duo a great future ahead in his message.

Ex-Indian opener and TV expert Sanjay Manjrekar was not far behind and tweeted, “”Two very likeable people & highly accomplished batsmen. Thank you Misbah & Younis for all the memories. #MisYou”

Indian cricket’s noted television presenter and commentator Harsha Bhogle had bid a fond farewell after their innings in the final Test, before the series was clinched, to say that the two batsmen could look back at their careers with pride. “Well played @captainmisbahpk and Younis Khan. You can look back at your career with pride,” he wrote on his twitter account.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2017