Ex-West Indies skipper Darren Sammy to receive honorary Pakistan citizenship on March 23

The extravaganza and razmataz of Pakistan Super League (PSL) has finally flagged off as the entire edition of the tournament is set to take place in Pakistan and many overseas international players have travelled to the country. One of the overseas players who has gained much appreciation and acknowledgement in Pakistan is the two-time T20 World Cup-winning captain Darren Sammy.

Over a period of time, the West Indies all-rounder has gained much recognition and respect in Pakistan due to his commitment towards the nation. At a time when no one was willing to come to Pakistan, Darren Sammy led the way by not only agreeing to play in the country but also by leading Peshawar Zalmi to the title triumph. Recently, several speculations also floated across the internet stating that the West Indies international is set to become a Pakistani national.

These speculations turned out to be true as the Pakistan government is set to confer honorary citizenship to Sammy to recognize his crucial role in bringing cricket back to the nation. Sammy, who is currently leading Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 2020, will be conferred the honorary citizenship and Pakistan’s highest civilian award– Nishan-e-Haider– on March 23 by President Arif Alvi.

Darren Sammy is an integral part of Peshawar Zalmi side

Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi had lauded Sammy for being a pivotal part of the Pakistan Super League. Afridi had also revealed that the West Indies all-rounder had applied for Pakistan nationality.

“We have requested for the honorary citizenship of Pakistan for Daren Sammy. The application is currently at President’s table. I request the PCB chairman to put in a good word for Sammy, so it can be approved. Sammy’s voice notes were too emotional for Pakistan when PCB was trying to hold the PSL season 2 finale in Lahore,” Javed Afridi had said as quoted by cricketpakistan.com.pk.

In an illustrious career spanning over a decade, 36-year-old Sammy donned the West Indies jersey in 38 Tests, 126 ODIs and 68 T20Is. The all-rounder has also been a part of a plethora of T20 franchises across the globe. Currently, he is plying his trade with Peshawar Zalmi where he is an integral part of the franchise. The West Indies all-rounder has so far scored 30 runs and scalped a solitary wicket in this year’s edition of PSL.

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