I am fully fit and want to do more for my country: Misbah ul Haq

Misbah-ul-Haq, the Pakistan Test skipper, has made things clear regarding his cricketing future, mentioning that his he is fully fit and will carry on serving his country.

Ahead of the national squad’s departure to England for a four-Test series, Misbah ul haq said in a press conference on Saturday (June 18) that he did not have any immediate plans of retiring from the five-day format and his complete focus is on the upcoming Test series against England.

“If I had to retire from cricket, I would have got retirement, but as I am fully fit and want to do more for my country, I will carry on serving the game and my country.”

Regarding the England tour, the 42-year-old asked his players to face the challenges head on, mentioning that doing well against a tough opposition would give them a lot of recognition in the cricketing world.

Also, read – We still can improve a lot in all departments: Angelo Mathews

“(The) England series is a big challenge but I also want to tell every player that the bigger the challenge, the bigger the opportunity will be. If the players perform well against the best in the business, the honour and the recognition they will get will really be a bigger one and remarkable, so every player must take this series as an opportunity if they want international recognition.

“History tells (us) Pakistan players always played well in England on English pitches. I hope this time too, the players will do their best to make this series a remarkable (one) through their outstanding performances and return home as triumphant,” he added.

Misbah also said the team was keen to put behind what happened in 2010. The last time Pakistan toured England, the Test series wrangled in the spot-fixing controversy which involved Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt. Out of the three, Mohammad Amir has returned to international cricket after serving his 5 years ban and is a part of the squad for the Test series that starts on July 14 and the spotlight will certainly be on the 24-year-old. The latter two continue to live in obscurity.

Also, read – It’s a choice, it’s my personal choice: Usman Khawaja

“We should forget about the past and just focus on our game, practice and performance, as if we do so with full determination and devotion, we not only perform well during the series but also keep us safe from any controversy.”