Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis to receive Hilal-e-Imtiaz

Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, Pakistan's two highest wicket-takers in international cricket, will receive the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the country's second-highest civilian award, later this month.

The Pakistan government announced on Monday that along with Akram and Younis, legspinner Yasir Shah will receive the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan's third-highest civilian award.

In Yasir's short international career of 35 Tests and 19 ODIs, he has made plenty of heads turn. Against New Zealand last year, he became the fastest bowler, in terms of matches, to take 200 Test wickets and break Clarrie Grimmett's 82-year-old record. Yasir also holds the record for the best bowling figures for a Pakistan spinner in Tests - 14 for 184 against New Zealand.

"The three are deserving recipients," the PCB said via a press release. "Wasim and Waqar are highly-respected commentators and have played their role in enhancing the image of Pakistan and cricket as broadcasters, while Yasir has had a lion's share in Pakistan's major Test wins in the recent past."

The three cricketers will be given their awards on March 23 by president Dr Arif Alvi. Akram and Younis previously received the Pride-of-Performance awards in 1992 and 1995, respectively.