Misbah-ul Haq retained as captain for Pakistan Test team for tour of West Indies [Update #35]

[MRSN]

Misbah available for West Indies Tests


The uncertainty over Misbah-ul-Haq’s Test career was lifted for the time being after the captain made himself available to play in next month’s series in the West Indies, Shaharyar Khan said on Monday (March 6).

“Misbah has told me that he is available for the West Indies tour and I will convey this to the selection committee that he will lead the side,” the PCB chairman told Wisden India.

Misbah had been unsure about his future after Pakisan’s 3-0 rout in Australia earlier this year, and had asked for some time to decide about his future.

“Last night, after the final of the Pakistan Super League, Misbah told me that he was available for the West Indies tour,” said Shararyar.

Misbah is Pakistan’s most successful Test captain with 24 wins from 53 Tests at the helm. The oldest active international player at 42, he averages 45.84 from 72 matches with a best of 161 not out, and holds the record for the joint fastest Test hundred. He had a good tour of England last year when Pakistan drew a four-Test series 2-2, and followed it up with consistent scores against West Indies in the UAE.

However, his form has been less than impressive in his last two Test series, in New Zealand and Australia. He has a highest of 38 in his last eight innings and has only gone past 20 twice. In the recently concluded PSL too, Misbah had a modest outing. After starting the tournament with an unbeaten 61 for Islamabad United, the defending champions, against Quetta Gladiators, he managed just 97 runs in his next seven innings.

Misbah had indicated after the second Test against the Australians in Melbourne in late December that he might not even be available for the New Year Test at the SCG.

Misbah has since not just played in Sydney but chosen to heed calls from within the set-up to continue for the time being, especially in light of the 3-0 drubbing in Australia.

Pakistan will travel to the West Indies later this month to play four Twenty20 Internationals, three One-Day Internationals and three Test matches. Misbah is already retired internationally from the shorter formats. The first of three Tests in the Caribbean starts in Kingston on April 22. The other two Tests are in Bridgetown from April 30 and in Roseau from May 10.

Link

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Bad choice Misbah ji.

Or shall I say risky choice.

 

[ads101]

Lol was obvious. Dunno why he didn't just come out and say it months ago.

 

[volcyz]

Losing my respects for Misbah, thought he was different but alas how utterly wrong I was.

 

[javiersuka]

Let him lead Pakistan to a first ever series win in West Indies and then retire with pride.

 

[TahirFan]

Misbah is still better than most of the Pakistani batsmen. Good decicsion

 

[JibranAnsari]

well he wants to go on a winning note, lets hope we win the series.

 

[Shafi]

He was pleased with his 127 runs in 8 innings consist of 1 fluke fifty

 

[Shafi]

People who are expecting Misbah to retire after WI series are living in dream world. He wanted to play at least another 2 years

 

[Adil_94]

its official Misbah has turned into the Arsene Wenger of Pakistan Cricket.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

So another senior who will be go kicking and screaming out of int cricket

 

[JibranAnsari]

we need hafeez as well in the test team, his bowling will be gold in west indies.

 

[Mirpur express]

Go on Misbah... never mind the so called experts here & on other forums..majority of the fans are with you & hoping for a white wash in the carribien.. stay as long as u want

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Go on Misbah... never mind the so called experts here & on other forums..majority of the fans are with you & hoping for a white wash in the carribien.. stay as long as u want

Did you not see his performances in Oz. He is finished, should retire asap.

 

[MRSN]

Go on Misbah... never mind the so called experts here & on other forums..majority of the fans are with you & hoping for a white wash in the carribien.. stay as long as u want

yeah Misah please continue for another 4 years. You own Pakistan cricket. Who cares what the future of Pakistan cricket will be but who cares. We will need Misbah to beat these might WI and BD and SL next on our home turf. Surely then he can retire and youngsters can take over playing minnows like England and SA in their home very easy conditions. Misbah rescued us in NZ and Aus with his experience in batting and leadership. We will need his service to beat WI. Also he is just 30 years old. Can play for another 7 years very easily.

 

[kingusama92]

As a captain? That's unacceptable.

 

[Major]

Thats great news

 

[Ellipsism]

Thats great news

Yep, he's going to lead us to a 3-0 whitewash. Great news.

 

[Hawkeye]

Good news.

Go on Misbah... never mind the so called experts here & on other forums..majority of the fans are with you & hoping for a white wash in the carribien.. stay as long as u want

Well you can't expect the armchair experts to be making the right calls always. People losing minds over nothing.

We need Misbah to finally secure a win in the Caribbean. He'll be the man to get that milestone.

He has my permission to retire then.

In fact he should be forced to retire after the tour. But I'm sure he'll make the right call to go on a high there.

 

[Pete Rose]

I can't overstate how much damage this is doing to Pakistan in the long run. Our 30 year olds continue to be perpetual infants not considered worthy of responsibility of captaining while we build a shrine for the 40 year olds.
There is no justification at all for misbah to continue other than vanity.
It's a shame

 

[Pete Rose]

Good news.



Well you can't expect the armchair experts to be making the right calls always. People losing minds over nothing.

We need Misbah to finally secure a win in the Caribbean. He'll be the man to get that milestone.

He has my permission to retire then.

In fact he should be forced to retire after the tour. But I'm sure he'll make the right call to go on a high there.

Individual over team.

 

[Junaids]

I can't overstate how much damage this is doing to Pakistan in the long run. Our 30 year olds continue to be perpetual infants not considered worthy of responsibility of captaining while we build a shrine for the 40 year olds.
There is no justification at all for misbah to continue other than vanity.
It's a shame

Misbah-ul-Haq has shown his true colours in all three domains these last three months.

As a batsman he proved what we already knew - that he was an Asian Track Bully who has never been good enough for Test cricket outside Asia, which is why Younis, Inzamam and Yousuf and even Razzaq kept him out of the team in his late 20's and early 30's.

As a captain he proved himself beyond any doubt to be the worst visiting captain ever to tour Australia. This is the man who opened the bowling in the Sydney Test with Yasir Shah instead of Wahab Riaz.

And now as a man he has shown that he is a self-centred little man who will cling on to his international career at any cost, and is completely indifferent to the batsman - and now captain - whose development he obstructs.

I used to respect him. Now I have no emotions for Misbah-ul-Haq other than contempt and disdain.

 

[A-1]

Na kar yaar misbah

It takes years to build reputation but seconds to destroy it, It will hurt his legacy if he loses in WI.

I just hope he scores and wins us the series in WI or else he will face backlash from the fans.

 

[MRSN]

we need hafeez as well in the test team, his bowling will be gold in west indies.

might as well recall Zulifqar baba. He looked in better form than Misbah.

 

[MRSN]

Misbah-ul-Haq has shown his true colours in all three domains these last three months.

As a batsman he proved what we already knew - that he was an Asian Track Bully who has never been good enough for Test cricket outside Asia, which is why Younis, Inzamam and Yousuf and even Razzaq kept him out of the team in his late 20's and early 30's.

As a captain he proved himself beyond any doubt to be the worst visiting captain ever to tour Australia. This is the man who opened the bowling in the Sydney Test with Yasir Shah instead of Wahab Riaz.

And now as a man he has shown that he is a self-centred little man who will cling on to his international career at any cost, and is completely indifferent to the batsman - and now captain - whose development he obstructs.

I used to respect him. Now I have no emotions for Misbah-ul-Haq other than contempt and disdain.

Misbah is a on a mission to prove to the world and experts that being 40+ doesn't mean you are done as a batsman in cricket. Didn't we just witness him recalling a 40+ years old Rifatullah as a replacement for Sharjeel for Islo.

 

[Last Monetarist]

Appalling decision, and I say that as a Misbah fan.

 

[Shafi]

What a drama queen!!! Why did not he say it before he wants to play another 3-4 years. Why made drama before Sydney test and now

 

[Shafi]

Need to get rid of SK first.

 

[Shafi]

Misbah-ul-Haq has shown his true colours in all three domains these last three months.

As a batsman he proved what we already knew - that he was an Asian Track Bully who has never been good enough for Test cricket outside Asia, which is why Younis, Inzamam and Yousuf and even Razzaq kept him out of the team in his late 20's and early 30's.

As a captain he proved himself beyond any doubt to be the worst visiting captain ever to tour Australia. This is the man who opened the bowling in the Sydney Test with Yasir Shah instead of Wahab Riaz.

And now as a man he has shown that he is a self-centred little man who will cling on to his international career at any cost, and is completely indifferent to the batsman - and now captain - whose development he obstructs.

I used to respect him. Now I have no emotions for Misbah-ul-Haq other than contempt and disdain.

Looks like Azhar Ali, Hafeez, Imran, Rahat, Baba, Shafiq... will all remain in the squad!!!!
Until we get rid of SK and Inzi we will never move forward.

 

[Pakprideuk]

Looks like Azhar Ali, Hafeez, Imran, Rahat, Baba, Shafiq... will all remain in the squad!!!!
Until we get rid of SK and Inzi we will never move forward.

Lol wait, why wouldn't Azhar and Shafiq remain in the squad otherwise? Azhar is one of the best test batsmen going around in the world. He is by far Pakistans best test batsman. What a joke of a post.

 

[Shafi]

Why can't Misbah be honest to say that he wants to play another 3-4 years

The title says it all.Its not Misbah bashing thread. Why made big retirement drama before Sydney test, then unsured about WI tour and wanted to concentrate on PSL (127 in 8 innings and he was pleased with his performance) and based on PSL's pathetic performance he is now ready to lead against WI in WI in tests (Were struggling against average Aussie spin bowlers in flat pitch and now he has to face Naraine co. in slow turning pitch).

Really disappointing!!!!

 

[Shafi]

Lol wait, why wouldn't Azhar and Shafiq remain in the squad otherwise? Azhar is one of the best test batsmen going around in the world. He is by far Pakistans best test batsman. What a joke of a post.

I meant in ODI

 

[MRSN]

What a drama queen!!! Why did not he say it before he wants to play another 3-4 years. Why made drama before Sydney test and now

Why the drama queen played the dead and rubber Sydney test? why not "rest" and give youngster chance. Definitely the gentleman wanted to score some runs to cement his place for his next series without going through emotional blackmailing of buying the time.

 

[Bewal Express]

What a terrible decision! Its rare to see a PK player retire with dignity, Everyone went kicking and screaming and Misbah has done the same. Are they that short of money that they can retire with dignity?

 

[SL_Fan]

Misbah-ul Haq Has conveyed to the Chairman PCB his desire to continue as Captain of the Pakistan Test Team. Accordingly the Chairman has approved his appointment as Captain of the Pakistan Test Team for the upcoming West Indies Test Series.

The Chairman has also approved appointment of Sarfraz Ahmed as Vice-Captain of the Pakistan Test team.

 

[Shafi]

Did Misbah clarify how long he wants to continue? Just WI series or at least another 4-5 years

 

[TahirFan]

Age does not matter. Misbah to me looks far better than most Pakistani batsmen

The Cameroon striker was 42 years, 1 month and 8 days old when he played and scored his country's only goal at the 1994 World Cup.

He played at three World Cups (scoring five goals) and is the oldest player ever to feature and score at a World Cup.

 

[Shafi]

Age does not matter. Misbah to me looks far better than most Pakistani batsmen

The Cameroon striker was 42 years, 1 month and 8 days old when he played and scored his country's only goal at the 1994 World Cup.

He played at three World Cups (scoring five goals) and is the oldest player ever to feature and score at a World Cup.

Misbah is almost 43 and he will be 48 in next 5 years because he wants to play as long as possible

 

[TahirFan]

The Cameroon striker is Roger Milla

 

[Pete Rose]

As a fan of what he has achieved, I can say clearly that his batting struggles in West Indies will earn no sympathy from me

 

[MRSN]

Did Misbah clarify how long he wants to continue? Just WI series or at least another 4-5 years

he plans to go on as long as possible after all he is a legend and a true gentleman.

 

[MRSN]

Age does not matter. Misbah to me looks far better than most Pakistani batsmen

The Cameroon striker was 42 years, 1 month and 8 days old when he played and scored his country's only goal at the 1994 World Cup.

He played at three World Cups (scoring five goals) and is the oldest player ever to feature and score at a World Cup.

Misbah played the world cup at 42 as well...the world cup and all away tough series are over and he has failed but he is still not going to leave. That's a problem clearly.

 

[Yatoo]

Poor from Misbah

 

[Aman]

Looks like Misbah has shown his true colors.

Personally thought he was better than this, he's 42 FGS, he isn't turning it around.

Even worse after he said he'd think about his future after the PSL, guess what? He failed in that too, what makes him think he can still go?

 

[world cup captain]

Well, I did not expect this from Misbah even though I saw it coming. My respect for him just keep spiraling down.

 

[Hail-Akram]

PCB just missed one opportunity to groom any promising younger player into the role. I think the subcontinent players find it really difficult to hang up the gloves with some game still left. And ultimately they face ungraceful exits.

Misbah has been a wonderful player and I do wish he retires gracefully.

Only time will tell if Misbah leads the team to a glorious series win or faces a kick-out from the team after WI tour.

 

[moghul]

I am mad as hell, not good for Pakistan cricket.

Wish both SYK and Misbah would have shown the door, but this is Pakistan, where people put their personal interest and contacts ahead of national interest.

 

[Shafi]

PCB just missed one opportunity to groom any promising younger player into the role. I think the subcontinent players find it really difficult to hang up the gloves with some game still left. And ultimately they face ungraceful exits.

Misbah has been a wonderful player and I do wish he retires gracefully.

Only time will tell if Misbah leads the team to a glorious series win or faces a kick-out from the team after WI tour.

Both SK and Sethi are puppets and powerless to kick Misbah who got support from media, formers...... That's why its up to Misbah when he wants to retire. At least another 2-3 years if not more

 

[JibranAnsari]

120 runs in his last 8 innings in test cricket , averages 28 since the lords test match.

I think PCB has been extra nice towards misbah but need to think about future and not only about an individual. He might score a few in the next few easy series but when things get tough he will fail. It was about time that we gave chances to new ones against the not so mighty opposition instead we have two 40 years olds carrying on.

 

[moghul]

SYK , Inzimam and Misbah destroying Pakistan cricket.

I have lost my interest in test series against WI.

For the sake of Pakistan cricket,s future, I wish Pak to lose the test series 0-3, so that people realize greed doesn't always pays off.

 

[Shafi]

SYK , Inzimam and Misbah destroying Pakistan cricket.

I have lost my interest in test series against WI.

For the sake of Pakistan cricket,s future, I wish Pak to lose the test series 0-3, so that people realize greed doesn't always pays off.

Why you think there will be any significant change if we lost to WI by 3-0? Didn't we loose to Bangladesh by 3-0 and draw test series with Zimbabwe.
After 3-0 whitewash SK will tell "We lost to a better team in their backyard"

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

I have said it before and ill say it again: Misbah ul Wenger

The similarites are striking. Both want to end on a high due to a mix of wanting to secure their legacies and not leaving the team in a mess. However both are making things worse and are in fact destroying their hard earned legacies

I really hope this WI tour is the final straw. It's only a 2 test match tour and i can easily see us loosing. Misbah cant just keep playing till we win a series

 

[Ami]

Oh well...rola khatam?

Purely a selfish decision cos he thinks if he wins this series he'd go on a high and people will forget what happened down under...hes probably right.

But he has to come out and say that this is his last series and id expect YK to do the same.

 

[Abdullah]

Let him lead Pakistan to a first ever series win in West Indies and then retire with pride.

i was hoping he would continue for this very reason too!

also gives his replacement haris a few more months to come back

 

[Stallion__]

This was always forthcoming.

If "Walking away after the England tour would have been an extremely selfish decision", I don't know what sticking on for WI tour is.

 

[yasir]

This is ridiculous, WI tour was ideal opportunity for new Captain. What exactly can be gained by keeping Misbah??

Misbah has ruin Pakistan cricket along with SRK, I don't know how we can get rid of both of them now

 

[Hail-Akram]

Both SK and Sethi are puppets and powerless to kick Misbah who got support from media, formers...... That's why its up to Misbah when he wants to retire. At least another 2-3 years if not more

But same media will call for his axing if he fails. And that wouldn't be fair on a player who has contributed a lot to Pak cricket in bad times.

Misbah should have shown the maturity to see this and step down voluntarily.

 

[contraman]

Let this be his one last chance, hopefully Misbah will end his career on a high with a series win in West Indies.

 

[MMHS]

Lol was obvious. Dunno why he didn't just come out and say it months ago.

I can tell the reason, though can't prove -

Retirement was never in his mind; he was certain to himself that he is going to WI for whatever it takes. Problem was PSL - he knows majority of people following PAK cricket want him to retire - had he announced it before or during PSL, there would have been bigger chants in stadium - go Misbah go; for gods sake, go ....

If PCB can manage any team touring in PAK this winter, Misbah will lead PAK in that series as well, unless SK is replaced by someone, almost half his age.

 

[Hamza_]

Misbah has lead our ODI Team to #8 and now on way down in test matches.

 

[Syed1]

What a gentleman.

Salute sir. Keeping your personal milestones ahead of the needs of the team and country. Respect.

 

[F0ulu]

Misbah had clearly misstated when he claimed he was making a decision about his future; he was just playing for time when, all along, deep in his heart, he had just been wanting to continue but couldnt go public about his decision for fear of bashing.
So just when he learned that the time was right, that everyone was happy at the successful end of PSL and the mainstream media was too busy highlighting that to talk about him, Misbah took a sneak walk into Chairman PCB's office, mumbling his stubborn resolve to continue on, and went back to his hiding place, unashamed.
Nothing, let alone guilt, can strike these 'Untouchables'.

 

[Shafi]

He know how to play with media, PCB and formers. He will keep saying same thing after 1 series and will continue another 3-4 years

 

[MRSN]

Misbah had clearly misstated when he claimed he was making a decision about his future; he was just playing for time when, all along, deep in his heart, he had just been wanting to continue but couldnt go public about his decision for fear of bashing.
So just when he learned that the time was right, that everyone was happy at the successful end of PSL and the mainstream media was too busy highlighting that to talk about him, Misbah took a sneak walk into Chairman PCB's office, mumbling his stubborn resolve to continue on, and went back to his hiding place, unashamed.
Nothing, let alone guilt, can strike these 'Untouchables'.

just go back to his statement when he said "I'd burn my kit if not selected" during 2009 explains everything about his personality and his dark side which he was covering very well thanks to a lot of cricket in UAE with spinners rattling the oppositions and him sitting on a comfort chair to dictate things in Pakistan cricket. I was always aware of this guy's true colors hence I never liked him or the powers he enjoyed. He totally destroyed Pakistan cricket "the dark ages" we had from 2011-2016 in One days was one of the worst phase of Pakistan cricket ever.

 

[MRSN]

He know how to play with media, PCB and formers. He will keep saying same thing after 1 series and will continue another 3-4 years

how shameful could you be when you bring your seniors players party including himself to face club level Zimbabwe side and not allow young players to be selected...and yet manage to draw the series?

 

[Shafi]

Problem about Misbah is "Dishonesty and two-face act".
As much I don't like Hafeez, Younis, Gul, Sami but at least they never said they will retire soon and then want to play as long as they want.
No body is forcing him to retire.
He should be honest and say clearly how long he wants to continue another 2-3 years, 3-5 years or WI series. But this guy never speaks the truth and one of the sole reason of our downfall

 

[Syed1]

how shameful could you be when you bring your seniors players party including himself to face club level Zimbabwe side and not allow young players to be selected...and yet manage to draw the series?

Misbah the gentleman wants to end his test career the same way he ended his ODI career, by bringing the Pakistani side down to number 8 in the rankings.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Shockingly poor decision and has no benefit to pakistan test team in short or long term. PCB should have taken the case in hand and at least changed the captaincy even if misbah was to be retained as a player.

 

[Pakpak]

SYK , Inzimam and Misbah destroying Pakistan cricket.

I have lost my interest in test series against WI.

For the sake of Pakistan cricket,s future, I wish Pak to lose the test series 0-3, so that people realize greed doesn't always pays off.

If that happens then his deluded fans will demand another series so he can ''leave on a high''.

 

[Spin Master]

Selfish Individual. Playing Test Cricket at the age of 46-47

Should have retired after the humiliation of NZ & AUS series.

 

[the Great Khan]

Well I think he wants to be the first Pakistan captain to win a test series in the west indies. And I think he may just do it! If he does he should retire on a high and as a legend!

 

[MRSN]

Well I think he wants to be the first Pakistan captain to win a test series in the west indies. And I think he may just do it! If he does he should retire on a high and as a legend!

also the first captain with most losses overseas.

 

[Syed1]

also the first captain with most losses overseas.

Also the first captain to loss six tests on the trot and counting....

 

[Abdullah719]

Also the first captain to loss six tests on the trot and counting....

But he didn't lead in all six...

Anyway, disappointing stuff. Alas.

 

[Syed1]

But he didn't lead in all six...

Anyway, disappointing stuff. Alas.

Oh yeah my bad. Misbah 2.0 was leading in one of those.

 

[F0ulu]

just go back to his statement when he said "I'd burn my kit if not selected" during 2009 explains everything about his personality and his dark side which he was covering very well thanks to a lot of cricket in UAE with spinners rattling the oppositions and him sitting on a comfort chair to dictate things in Pakistan cricket. I was always aware of this guy's true colors hence I never liked him or the powers he enjoyed. He totally destroyed Pakistan cricket "the dark ages" we had from 2011-2016 in One days was one of the worst phase of Pakistan cricket ever.

Unfortunately, I've been of those fooled by his false colors for so long; this guy I deemed to be so classy, so mature, and so soft-spoken...and after all these years, ultimately, he shows himself off as being the exact opposite. It comes off to me so eerie to remember how I once thought no man in Pakistan cricket could ever be so manipulative as Afridi. And now, even he feels third-rank in front of Misbah..

 

[RehanG]

He should continue untill he's 50!! wouldn't that be nice..

 

[Shafi]

Why PCB is too scared to sack Misbah? Do they really have power? Sometime I wonder, how PCB is becoming a political institution with no liabilities for their actions.
PCB doesn't care about performance and keep indulges in corruptions. Their attitude is Take it or leave it

 

[MRSN]

Why PCB is too scared to sack Misbah? Do they really have power? Sometime I wonder, how PCB is becoming a political institution with no liabilities for their actions.
PCB doesn't care about performance and keep indulges in corruptions. Their attitude is Take it or leave it

there is zero accountability because these babas themselves come through political appointments rather than through merit. They don't have any fear of accountability that's why we don't see any accountability in the team especially for senior players. At best you will see selectors,coaches or young players becoming the sacrificial lambs and these seniors will continue to ride their luck. Misbah has just manipulated the 80s years old veteran and he doesn't even know it. His brain may not have enough cells to realize Pakistan cricket won't get anything in the long term from a 43 years old playing on easy tours where they should be grooming future players and captain for tough series of SA and England to come.

 

[Syed1]

there is zero accountability because these babas themselves come through political appointments rather than through merit. They don't have any fear of accountability that's why we don't see any accountability in the team especially for senior players. At best you will see selectors,coaches or young players becoming the sacrificial lambs and these seniors will continue to ride their luck. Misbah has just manipulated the 80s years old veteran and he doesn't even know it. His brain may not have enough cells to realize Pakistan cricket won't get anything in the long term from a 43 years old playing on easy tours where they should be grooming future players and captain for tough series of SA and England to come.

Misbah not only steals an opportunity from Sarfaraz to get a foot-hold as captain against an easy opposition, he also prevents someone like an Usman Salahuddin to get a spot in the side and have an easy tour to debut in.


What can we say gentleman is only looking out for himself just like he has always done.