Waqar Younis reveals emotional journey after missing out on Pakistan's 1992 World Cup glory

Pakistan's run through to the final of the 2022 T20 World Cup has drawn a parallel to their triumphant 1992 World Cup in Australia. While it was a dream come true moment for the Pakistani players, former Pakistani pacer Waqar Younis recalled the bittersweet memory from the 1992 WC campaign.

Waqar, who was slated to partner Wasim Akram with the new ball, missed the tournament after suffering an unfortunate stress fracture before the commencement of the global event. He was sidelined for the entirety of the tournament and did not play any part in Pakistan's maiden trophy haul. Despite the 'big hiccup', the legendary pacer cherishes the moment he was invited to receive the team at the airport.

“Despite being out of the squad, I cherish and own that I was part of the 1992 World Cup. I came back from the tour with the injury and they came back as champions, the ambience that was there I have never seen in my life. When they arrived I was invited to receive them. It was a big hiccup for me at that time because I didn't expect that and then it happened while on the tour and there wasn't much of expectation from that team but they went all the way to win the World Cup,” Waqar said while speaking on A Sports.

'When I saw them coming out, I broke down- Waqar Younis relives Pakistan's 1992 WC triumph

Waqar traveled down memory lane after the current Pakistani side led by Babar Azam made it to the final of the ongoing T20 World Cup. He recalled getting emotional and breaking down when he saw his fellow pacer Wasim Akram and compatriots emerge with the glittering trophy at the airport, accompanied by the Pakistani prime minister.

“Then when I went there, I still remember those days things were a lot easier back then, they had opened the airport gates so people were actually on the runway. I was standing on the staircase with then Prime Minister. They had put a big spotlight. Then Wasim Akram came out first with the crystal trophy. Till that time I was okay. But then when I saw them coming out, I broke down. I had to literally sit down. I could feel my legs. I missed out on that big occasions but the way they respected me and took me in their victory truck.”