ISLAMABAD: Country’s cricketers have hailed legendary batsman Younis Khan for becoming the first Pakistan cricketer to score 10,000 Test runs.

Younis, 39, became the first Pakistan batsman — and the world’s 13th — to make the coveted feat during his team’s ongoing first Test against the West Indies in Kingston Jamaica on Sunday.

The right-hander, who is playing his 116th Test in Kingston, also holds the record of highest number of Test centuries (34) scored by a Pakistani.

Former Pakistan captain and master batsman Javed Miandad — who earlier was Pakistan’s highest run-getter in Tests (8832 runs in 124 Tests) congratulated Younis for the significant milestone.

“It is an honour for Pakistan that Younis hit the mark. Younis proved himself a great cricketer,” Miandad said.

Ramiz Raja, an ex-Test opener, hailed Younis for reaching the mark, saying it is a great achievement and proud moment for Pakistan cricket.

“I congratulate Younis on reaching 10,000-run milestone. This is a great and proud moment for everyone,” Ramiz said while talking to a private news channel.

Besides being a great batsman, Younis is also a role model, noted Ramiz.

“He has been a shining star for Pakistan cricket for years. Making 10,000 runs in Tests is a great thing because this isn’t something you can do every day in cricket,” Ramiz said, adding that this is a historic moment for Pakistan cricket.

Former Test fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said Younis was built to work for cricket and has been a real star for Pakistan.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should utilise Younis’s services after his retirement, he is a star, and he has scored 34 centuries for Pakistan. It is important for us to utilise him for future,” emphasised Shoaib.

Former chief selector Salahuddin Sallu also praised Younis’ contribution for Pakistan cricket. “He has been a tremendous player who won so many games for us. But he is a far greater human being who commands respect of his colleagues and junior players alike. Younis is a class act who will be sorely missed,” he said.

Young batsman Fawad Alam said he is proud of Younis, who was always there to help him and other youngsters on and off the field.

“I congratulate Younis on making 10,000 runs. We all are proud of Younis. He has always been very helpful to me and other players every time when we sought his help,” Fawad said.

Meanwhile, the Sindh Assembly lauded and paid tributes to Younis on completing 10,000 Test runs after PTI MPA Khurrum Sher Zaman tabled a resolution to praise the veteran batsman for his exemplary services for Pakistan cricket.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2017