Dismissing all the assumptions made regarding his retirement and leaving his age factor behind, 42-year-old Pakistan test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq has said that at this stage of his career, he will not declare his retirement. On the other hand, he will assess his fitness level for the upcoming bilateral series against West Indies, starting from March 31.
Recently, the Pakistan chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq was also called with one name who could lead Pakistan in all the three formats. After this incident, this demand from the Pakistan Cricket Board could be considered as a clear advice to Misbah to quit captaincy from tests.
Misbah, who became memorable for the cricket fans for his last shot in the opening T20 World Cup final against India, has almost reached the last step of his career and unfortunately, he has been left at the receiving end. After leading the team to the number 1 position in the ICC test rankings, he failed to continue the legacy and faced a wretched loss by 2-0 against the Kiwis and 0-3 against the Aussies. However, in both the series, he was the shining star.
In a recent interview, he said,”Age does not matter (in sports); it is the level of physical fitness which helps you to continue playing, and I will not announce my retirement at this stage. I will assess my fitness first in the upcoming season of PSL and then in domestic matches for Faisalabad which are to be held before the West Indies tour. After checking my fitness level as to where I stand, I will make up my mind about my future.”
Misbah was asked that who, he thinks, could replace him as a captain, Misbah said would not be appropriate for him to reply on the same.
On asked about his critics within the board, he said,”Obviously, some people were waiting to criticise me and finally, after six years they got this chance.”
Pakistan is scheduled to visit West Indies for two T20s, three ODIs and three Tests beginning March 31 at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain. Though there are certain options like wicket-keeper/batsman and national T20 skipper Sarfraz Ahmed and Azhar Ali, who led the ODI against Australia, but the team under the captaincy of both didn’t do well. Now under such circumstances, it would be challenging for the PCB to come with a man who could lead the to victory and improve the ICC rankings.
