Inzamam-ul-Haq quashes Misbah retirement rumors

Current Pakistan chief selector and former skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq has ruled out the expected retirement of 42-year old Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq. The latter was expected to hang up his pads and call it a day sometime last year only to reverse his unconfirmed decision and lead the Pakistan side for the tour of England.

Inzamam reiterated that age was of any consequence and also added that Misbah was as fit as a fiddle. Reports earlier had stated that Misbah was the fittest among the Pakistan players who had attended the boot camp organized by incoming coach Mickey Arthur. Inzamam also added that Misbah’s experience, as well as leadership skills and batting on overseas wickets, was something invaluable as far as the Pakistan side was concerned.

“I don’t think age is of any consequence or matter if someone is as fit and motivated as Misbah in professional cricket. I see him around in Pakistan cricket as captain for a while now,” Inzamam said in an interview to PTI. “The way Misbah is playing now and looking at his fitness levels no one should be surprised to see him around in Pakistan cricket for coming tours and series. He still has a big role to play as captain and batsman for us,” Inzamam said.

“His experience, leadership and batting form will continue to prove invaluable for Pakistan in coming months,” the chief selector said.

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“We picked Misbah for this series because of his fitness and form and he has delivered. I see him and Younis Khan as the key to our success in coming series and tours.”

“Look most of the players are playing in a test series in England for the first time in their lives. I am not disheartened by the second test defeat because better touring sides than us have come to England and struggled in their conditions.”

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