Photo: AFP
Pakistan Test captain Misbahul Haq on Thursday announced his retirement from international cricket.
Speaking at a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, the 42-year-old said that he is pulling the curtains on his international career.
“I am announcing my retirement from international cricket,” said Misbah. “The upcoming series against West Indies will be my last.”
He further said that he will continue to play cricket at domestic level and will continue his cricket activities for a while.
“I will continue to play cricket at the domestic level,” he added. “Regarding when I will leave domestic cricket, I will decide it later.”
WI series will be Misbah’s last: Shaharyar
Misbah took the reins of the team after it had been rocked by the spot-fixing scandal in 2010, and guided Pakistan to the number one spot in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test ranking.
The Mianwali-born said that he had witnessed many ups and downs during his career, but overall he is satisfied with the contribution he made to the country.
“I’ve seen many ups and downs during my career,” he said. “I was dropped from the team played poorly as well at times. But then I had some great moments too where we became the number one Test team in the world. So overall, I am satisfied with my performance.”
Misbah also said that he had a dream of winning the World Cup for Pakistan, but is disappointed not to achieve that goal.
Sarfraz taking right decisions as captain: Misbah
“I had some unfinished business, but that’s how life is,” he said. “I had a dream of winning the World Cup for Pakistan, but then I also had a dream of captaining the team in Pakistan. However, that is how life is. You don’t get everything you ask for.”
Misbah also said that it’s time to support newly-appointed captain Sarfraz Ahmed, and also supported the idea of one captain for all formats.
“We should not put pressure on Sarfraz; instead we should support him,” said Misbah. “I also believe that there should be only one captain, so all the players can support him.”
PCB will give proper farewell to Misbah after West Indies tour: Shaharyar Khan
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan praised Misbah for his achievements in his career.
While talking to the media in Lahore, the 82-year-old said the board will give proper farewell to Misbah for his achievements after the West Indies tour.
“We will going to give him a proper farewell,” said Shaharyar. “He served as a great role model for Pakistan cricket over the years, and he deserved all the praise for the way he carried himself during tours.
“It was due to his captaincy and understanding of the game, because of which we managed to achieve the top spot in the Test ranking.”
Wise decision !Recommend
Thank God!Recommend
Best of Luck Sir Misbah. You are great.Recommend
Salutes to Misbah not only for being one of the best cricketers from Pakistan but for his off the field behavior and for being role model for youngstersRecommend
Thankyou misbah for your services to Pakistan cricket…you will be remembered as a thorough gentlemen who played with passion, integrity and pride for his countryRecommend
his final comment; “I will be back”Recommend
Respect from India. A player who was really dedicated to his nation and continued the legacy of inzmam. Thanks Sir.Recommend
He should be honoured and give him a farewell sent offRecommend
Thank you for what you have done for cricket and Pakistan.
A perfect gentleman and a man of honour. Best of luck for the future.Recommend
Thank you Misbah for you have been one of the greatest ambassadors of the game and the greatest player and captain to have played for Pakistan.
Trust that you’d enjoy your retirement and resist the temptation of jumping into politics. Recommend
Respect to the gentleman from an Indian fan. Rare gem amongst players of Pakistan.Recommend
A real role model for our children. Thank you , we are so proud of you.Recommend
Pakistan lost to India due to his tuk tuk….
Will never forgive Him…..Recommend
Thank You Misbah Bahi… I will miss you :)Recommend
@a&a:
and how many times we won because of him? Uncountable times! So remember him like that.Recommend
A right decision. Now, the cricket world is different.Our players should catch the quick runs making trend, otherwise we will be at dock. Thanks God, to get rid of my headache .Recommend
All Hail King Misbah !!Recommend
True Gentleman of the cricket. Misbah saved Pakistan cricket from complete destruction and gave it a new life. He will be remembered as a savior. So called retired legends only brought shame and scandals. Recommend
A gentleman has called the quit. Great work done by him will always be remembered as he held the torch during the dark days of Pakistan cricket. Thank you sir and take care. Recommend