Pakistan makes me feel at home, says T20 WC winning captain Daren Sammy after receiving 'Sitara-I-Pakistan'

The Pakistan government has recognized former West Indies skipper Daren Sammy for his dedication to the sport in spreading cricket across their country. Sammy has been associated with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Peshawar Zalmi (PZ) since its inaugural season in 2016.

The Saint Lucia-born enabled West Indies to win the 2012 and 2016 T20 World Cup despite his infighting with board officials, which saw his place from the side taken away after winning the coveted trophy.

Sammy took to social media to share the news and thanked the Pakistani government and the people for their esteemed honour.

"Cricket took me all over the world enabling me to see and play in some amazing places. 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-I-Pakistan) from the Government and people of Pakistan. Thank you," his Instagram post read.

Sammy, who captained Zalmi in the second edition, helped them win their only title in 2017. He was also their head coach for two years after retiring as a player.

The all-rounder was instrumental in bringing international cricket back to Pakistan and was awarded the second-highest civilian medal by Pakistan, Nishan-e-Pakistan, in 2020. Apart from that, Sammy was given honorary Pakistani citizenship.

Sammy has also received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) from Queen Elizabeth II. The renowned T20 franchise cricket wayfarer, who was the first player from St. Lucia to play international cricket, has represented the Caribbean nation in 38 Tests, 126 ODIs, and 68 T20Is.

Last year, Sammy was named as an independent non-member director on the board for Cricket West Indies (CWI).

He has played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for franchises like Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings).