Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan was honored with prestigious Padma Shri – the fourth-highest civilian honor – by the Indian government on Sunday (January 26).
Zaheer was a part of the 2011 World Cup-winning team. He played 92 Tests, 200 ODIs, and 17 T20Is for India. The southpaw scalped 311 wickets in the longest format of the game – second-most for an Indian seamer after Kapil Dev.
In ODIs, Zaheer is the fourth Indian bowler to take maximum wickets (282) after Anil Kumble (334), Javagal Srinath (315), and Ajit Agarkar (288). The left-arm bowler bid farewell to international cricket in 2015.
Indian government conferred the speedster with the decorated award for his 13-year service to Indian cricket.
“Humbled and overwhelmed to become the recipient of one of the country’s highest civilian awards. I am grateful that I played for my country and represented this great nation. Wearing an Indian jersey was a matter of pride and privilege. Thank you, everyone. Best wishes as we celebrate 71st Republic Day,” wrote Zaheer, while reacting to this extraordinary moment of his life.
🙏 #PadmaAwards2020 @PadmaAwards pic.twitter.com/1obGo2ESuw
— zaheer khan (@ImZaheer) January 26, 2020
Personalities belonging to various fields wished Zaheer Khan for his special achievement.
CONGRATULATIONS ZAK .
— Suniel Shetty (@SunielVShetty) January 26, 2020
“Each victory will forever be etched in my memory and contributing to it are special moments for me that continue to motivate me to now give back.” – Padma Shri @ImZaheer 🏅🇮🇳 #OneFamily #CricketMeriJaan #PadmaAwards pic.twitter.com/krEPPwF20b
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) January 26, 2020
Congratulations Mr khan 😊👏👏🇮🇳✊
— Rahul Sharma (@ImRahulSharma3) January 26, 2020
Wow! Well deserved.. many congratulations Zak the warrior !!
— Rahul Dev (@RahulDevRising) January 26, 2020
Yay Zak….!!!! 👊🏽👍🏽 👏🏽
— atul kasbekar (@atulkasbekar) January 26, 2020
Yeeey!! ZAK!
— Kubbra Sait (@KubbraSait) January 26, 2020
