Misbah-ul-Haq’s decision to shelve retirement plans blessing for Pakistan youngsters

The veteran skipper shelved retirement plans by stating that he will think on it following the England series.

Misbah-ul-Haq made a defining statement following the Pakistan Cricket Board‘s (PCB) announcement of squads for the ‘home’ series against England at UAE in for the following month. The Pakistan Test skipper stated that he would take a decision on his retirement following the conclusion of the forthcoming series, which in itself should serve as a source of inspiration for the rest of the young squad, urging them to do a better job. Amit Banerjee feels that the veteran skipper should stick around for some more time, not just to set an example of determination, but also to shape the young players up. READ: Misbah-ul-Haq quashes retirement plans; will consider future following England series

The Pakistan squad for the upcoming series against a resurgent England side has been announced. The only notable selection is that of Fawad Alam, who returns in whites for the first time in six years. The side has been packed with a fearsome bowling attack with pacers Wahab Riaz and Junaid Khan as well as spinners Yasir Shah and Zulfiqar Babar. Amidst all announcements and the attention surrounding it has emerged a story of inspiration for the young members of the squad as veteran captain Misbah-ul-Haq quashed all expectations of announcing his retirement later this year, stating further that he would think on the same after the end of the England series.

Misbah’s cricketing career is a story of disappointments experienced in the first half, followed by fightback and determination to exert one’s relevance despite all odds. After his international debut in 2001, Misbah frequently accompanied the Pakistan squad around and was selected for a few matches over the next couple of years before disappearing from the sport until his return in 2007, when he dominated headlines during and following the ICC World Twenty20 final. Since then he has been an integral member of the side and has gone to break many a record and become the most successful Pakistan captain despite many hurdles in the path.

Misbah, much like Shivnarine Chanderpaul, has been hounded by calls for retirement by the media, and probably by members of the board and teammates as well as concerned family members. The right-handed batsman from Mianwali, however, has set an example by pushing aside all thoughts related to retirement, which should serve as an inspiration for the young members of the Pakistan team. READ: Want to retire from international cricket after India series, says Misbah-ul-Haq

Pakistan has a reputation of being one of the most difficult teams to lead, as revealed by former leaders like Imran Khan and Wasim Akram. It takes strength of character and determination along with setting examples along every move. Misbah took over as Pakistan Test captain following the spot-fixing saga in England, which only added salt to the wounds of the 2009 terror attack that brought cricket on Pakistani soil to a grinding halt.

From being outcasts, Misbah managed to carve a formidable side that has attracted many an accolade, starting with their 3-0 whitewash of England in UAE in early 2012. Not to mention the fact that he has been one of the most consistent figures with the bat.  READ: Misbah tops list of best Test captains

Following Misbah’s retirement from limited-overs formats, PCB has appointed Azhar Ali as captain of the ODI side as Shahid Afridi continues to lead the team in T20Is. With the final curtain on Afridi’s days in international cricket expected to fall anytime now, one would expect Azhar to lead in that format as well. While 30-year old Azhar has five years of experience in international cricket behind him, one feels that senior figures, especially the temperamentally sound Misbah, should stick around for some more time.

Misbah will thus do a great favour for the team by proving his detractors wrong and deciding to stay on for the next few seasons. The current Pakistan side is packed with potential with the talents of Azhar, Wahab, and Yasir among others, but they need Misbah’s guidance before setting out on their quest to bringing glory for their nation.

(Amit Banerjee, a reporter at CricketCountry, takes keen interest in photography, travelling, technology, automobiles, food and, of course, cricket. He can be followed on Twitter via his handle @akb287)

About the Author

•