Its life, everything has to end: Misbah-ul-Haq on his Test retirement

Emotions ran high on the final day of the third and last Test between Pakistan and West Indies, at Dominica as two of Pakistan’s batting legends played their last international game. When skipper Misbah-ul-Haq received the winner’s trophy, he looked content, having added one more trophy to Pakistan’s cabinet.

This is their first Test win in the Caribbean ever and a proud moment for him as captain. He knows how to not let his emotions show on the face, and concealed the sorrowful emotions yet again. But he was expressive in his nostalgia of 101-run win.

“Nothing better than that (the win). Whatever success I got throughout my career and then especially an end like that, couldn’t have asked for better,” Misbah said. “When the game just hangs (till) an over before, it’s difficult. Both teams were under pressure and it was a matter of nerves. Credit to the bowlers, who bowled their heart out on a slow track, especially the seamers,”

Misbah-Younis partnership

He also lauded his bowlers for coming back strong, especially Yasir Shah. Misbah’s partnerships with Younis Khan are known to all. Together they have scored 3213 runs – most by any Pakistani pair. Misbah looked back at his journey with Younis and thanked him for all the memories and wished him luck for the road ahead.

“Special thanks to Younis. Wish him best of luck. It was a very fine journey with him, especially in the middle, sharing a lot of partnerships. And loved every moment of that. In the history books, my name will come with him. He’s a legend. He’s a top performer for Pakistan – 34 centuries and 10,000 runs. It’s something special that my name will come with him,” Misbah added.

He led Pakistan to their 26 wins outside home; the most by any Pakistan captain. As an ending note, he also conveyed gratitude to his family and fans. “Want to thank my family, my mom and sisters, especially my wife who supported me a lot. And especially this series. She convinced me to come. My son is not here, he will be just watching on TV and I’m missing him. He has his exams, so couldn’t travel.

He also thanked the coaching staff, colleagues, trainers, and everyone who were there with him in his journey.

“It’s life. Everything has to end, whether it’s bad or good. I am happy with what I had in this career. What a finish. Couldn’t have asked for more,” he concluded.