Misbah-ul-Haq reflects back to the time when he took over Pakistan team’s captaincy

The Pakistan V/s West Indies series is an emotional one for Pakistan cricket and its fans. Two of the team’s heroes, who served cricket in the country for decades, are set to retire after the series ends. Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq are playing their last international series, and Pakistan would thus like to send them off with a win.

It is sad not just for Pakistan but world cricket that both the stalwarts are retiring at the same time. Misbah-Younis are one of the most prolific Test partners of all time. The skipper addressed media on the eve of the 3rd Test, saying that he doesn’t want emotions to get the better of him, and wants to focus on the game as a normal one.

“Looking forward to it as a normal game and focusing on our jobs. Sometimes emotions can come into these sort of occasions but we will try our best to focus on our jobs,” Misbah said emphasising that they had to opt for a very professional approach since the series is also at stake.

Reflecting back on his historic journey with Pakistan cricket, Misbah also rolled back in time and recollected the period when he took over the team’s captaincy. The Pakistani team was in shambles back then it was the outstanding leadership display from Misbah that propelled a turbulent side to being No. 1 team in Test rankings. Misbah had taken over at a time when match-fixing had disrupted Pakistan cricket, and experienced players were putting curtains on their career.

“It was a tough time, a lot of players at the time were retiring also. We had different issues with the match-fixing, etc, it was a pretty young team at the time and the way we emerged as an international team, especially in Test cricket, that was wonderful. No doubt, we are not performing like that in the last couple of series but still this team has potential. We know the way, we know the path and we have to follow that,” he explained.

Misbah also spoke about the road ahead for the current youngsters in the team and their potential.

“As a senior, I have tried to show this young side the need to be more disciplined, determined and once you do that and work hard, you can achieve anything. That is what is really pleasing about this team, you are looking forward that this team can go along well.”

Pakistan, who have never won a Test series in West Indies, will be eager to clinch the third and deciding Test.