Pakistan‘s legendary bowlers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis received the country’s second-highest civilian award – the Hilal-e-Imtiaz – on Saturday.

The Pakistan government conferred the award on the occasion of Pakistan Day. Leg-spinner Yasir Shah also received the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s third-highest civilian award.

Shah took to Twitter to thank the government for giving him the award.

“Pakistan, thanks again for the honor of Sitar-e-Imtiaz. I am deeply humbled,” he tweeted.

Upon the announcement of the decision by the government, the Pakistan Cricket Board had hailed the players for their contribution to the game.

“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.”