Misbah, Younus earned the right to choose when to retire: Wasim Akram

Pakistan bowling great believes Misbah and Younus are fit enough to play for national team

Pakistan bowling great Wasim Akram believes Test captain Misbahul Haq and veteran Younus Khan have earned the right to choose when they want to retire from the national team.

“Misbah led the Pakistan team when they were in trouble three-four years ago,” said Wasim, in a video interview to Sports360.

“He performed and every Pakistani complained ‘tuk tuk’ but with the batting we have I am thankful to Misbah that he was there to hold the fort. He is 41 and he is fit enough. He is as fit as any young individual in the Pakistani side. So my opinion about Misbah and also Younus Khan is that they can carry on if they think they are fit enough.

“Why are people asking them when will they retire, I will tell them to mind their own business and they should retire when they want to retire because they have earned that right.

Wasim further said that Younus was good enough to be placed in the ODIs among a 'vulnerable' batting line-up and would add stability to the team.

“Younus is a very different individual, very nice guy, thorough professional and a thorough gentleman, added Wasim.

“He gets annoyed sometimes and that is fair enough. But Younus is at a stage where selectors should meet him and tell him their plans. And then knowing Younus, he can concentrate on what he wants to play.

“I reckon he is good enough to play for Pakistan in ODIs. Like we played against Zimbabwe, their bowlers were average bowlers, not great bowlers I would say. They worked very hard but Pakistan were mostly 30-3 and 40-4 on stages and there you need people like Younus to play their part."