(UDHAYAM, LAHORE) – Pakistan’s Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq has announced his retirement from international cricket, telling reporters on Thursday (06) that the series against West Indies would be his last.
Speaking to the media at the Gaddafi Stadium, Misbah said he would try his best to end his career on a high note.
The 42-year-old skipper said the decision to quit was his own and was not brought about by any external pressure.
“I had decided to retire some time ago,” he said, adding that he would continue to play domestic cricket in the near future.
“But I have not decided yet what I will do after retirement,” he remarked.
Reminiscing on his cricket career, he said he was proud and content with whatever he had achieved during his cricketing journey.
Since taking over the captaincy in the wake of an international spot-fixing scandal in 2010, Misbah has led Pakistan in 53 Tests, winning 24 losing 18 and drawing 11.
He also briefly led his team to world number one Test rankings last year, despite playing no matches at home due to the prevailing insecurity. The feat earned him widespread acclaim throughout the cricketing world.
Misbah said receiving the Test mace last year remains among the best memories of his journey.
“It was the highlight of my career,” he said.
But the journey was not without regrets and challenges. According to Misbah, winning the 2015 World Cup remained an unfulfilled dream.
“It was my dream to bring Pakistan the World Cup 2015 [glory], but it could not come true,” he said.
