West Indies and Peshawar Zalmi former captain and current head coach Daren Sammy received the civil award ‘Sitara-e-Pakistan’ for his invaluable contribution to reviving international cricket in Pakistan on Monday.
Sammy shared the news on his official Twitter handle and shared pictures of him receiving the highest civilian award. “There it is…me collecting the Sitara-e-Pakistan award. Such a proud moment,” he posted. He also wrote how Pakistan has been like his home and wrote, “Pakistan is like home to me and this is an honour for me. I am very proud.”
There it is👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾me collecting the
Sitara-I-Pakistan award 🥇. Such a proud moment https://t.co/Dv82dZ9fMC pic.twitter.com/W9FZjBQxaF— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) May 30, 2022
He also shared a few pictures on his official Instagram handle where he talked about how cricket helped him travel all over the world and play in some amazing places. The pictures were captioned, “Pakistan is definitely one of these places. A place that always makes me feel at home. It’s such an honour to have received this prestigious award (Sitara-e-Pakistan) from the government and people of Pakistan. Thank you. #PakistanZindabad,” he wrote.
Congratulating the former West Indies captain, Pakistan Super League franchise Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi posted on Twitter: “Congratulations brother @darensammy88! Well-deserved Sitara-e-Pakistan! Your contribution for Pakistan cricket revival will be [written] in golden words [and] in our hearts forever,” he added.
CONGRATULATIONS Brother @darensammy88 ! Well Deserved Sitara-i-Pakistan !
Your Contribution for Pakistan Cricket Revival will be ✍️ in Golden Words & in our Hearts Forever. #PakistanZindabad https://t.co/i5PoPHhiOO pic.twitter.com/TH6Caygl9Y— Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) May 30, 2022
The Sitara-i-Imtiaz which translates to Star of Excellence is the third-highest (in the hierarchy of “Sitara”) honour and civilian award given by the government of Pakistan. It recognizes individuals who have made an “especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of Pakistan, world peace, cultural or other significant public endeavours.” The award is not limited to the citizens of Pakistan and is also awarded to foreign citizens based on their achievements and services done in Pakistan
Sammy also received honorary Pakistani citizenship along with the award in February 2020. The Pakistan cricket Twitter account posted about the news and tweeted, “President of Pakistan Dr @ArifAlvi will confer the highest civilian award and honorary citizenship to Darren Sammy on 23 March for his invaluable contribution to cricket in Pakistan.”
I am truly honored to be given this civilian award.We took a small step in the right direction in 2017and look at us here today.All the foreign players played their part.Thank u Pakistan for the love shown to us.We only want U to experience cricket at home.#LOVEWINS https://t.co/BEVEJXmkH2
— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) February 23, 2020
The St Lucia native thanked the authorities for this honour and said, “I am truly honoured to be given this civilian award. We took a small step in the right direction in 2017and look at us here today. All the foreign players played their part. Thank u Pakistan for the love shown to us.We only want U to experience cricket at home.#LOVEWINS
