Misbah not to retire soon

Pakistan Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq has rested the plans of his retirement from International Cricket after the planned series against India, later this year. He is determined to review his plans after hosting the series against England in UAE. He said – “I have made no plans at this time but I will review my future and what I should do after the series against England.”

Misbah has represented his country in 58 Tests and 162 One Day Internationals. He had almost made up his mind to retire after the series against India, but after the demoralising expectations regarding the series, Misbah seemed to have altered his mind a little. The stylish right-handed batsman has been the most successful Test captain for the team. In his interview to a news channel, he said – “It is a challenge to lead the Pakistan team and the players have really done well as a unit which is why despite not playing at home since 2009 we have achieved some notable success.”

Talking about the series against England, he added, “The series against England will be a challenging one even though we play on pitches to which we are used to playing. But I don’t think the results of 2012 will matter now as England have new players and have recently won the Ashes as well.” In the 2012 series, Pakistan whitewashed the Three Lions by 3-0. However, there has been significant changes in both the teams after that.

Misbah also said, “The good thing is that the same nucleus of players have been around in the Test squad for the last few years now and have gelled very well which has given stability to the side. We lost Saeed last year but Yasir has stepped in and done well.” Ending his interview, Misbah described himself as a simple and kind-hearted person who wished to spend quality time with his family when he is away from cricket.