Former batting legend Zaheer Abbas – 6th Pakistani cricketer to be inducted in ICC Hall of Fame

Former batting legend Zaheer Abbas has become the sixth Pakistani cricketer to join the International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Fame.

Zaheer,  Nicknamed ‘Run Machine’ for his big scores during the 1970s and 1980s with both Pakistan and English county side Gloucestershire, is the first batsman to score 5*100 in successive internationals.

The ICC has stated that:

"In all, 93 players have been inducted so far under the system, which sees retired players become eligible five years after playing their last international match."

In addition to Abbas, South Africa’s gritty all-rounder Jacques Kallis and Australian World Cup-winning all-rounder Lisa Sthalekar were also inducted into the Hall of Fame.

In comments posted to the ICC's website, Abbas, a former president of the global governing body and the only player from Asia to have scored a hundred first-class hundred. said that he felt "privileged and truly humbled".

"I am excited to be in the midst of other illustrious cricketers.

"I would like to say a special thanks to my family, my country Pakistan, my county Gloucestershire and many fans worldwide who helped me achieve and fulfil my dreams by playing this great game at the highest level.

"Thank you, ICC and the members of the jury for this special honour. It is a final recognition for any cricketer.