I want to play a Test in Pakistan before I retire: Misbah

Published July 18, 2015
“I am really anxiously waiting for Test cricket in Pakistan.” — AFP
“I am really anxiously waiting for Test cricket in Pakistan.” — AFP

Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq has just one wish before he walks away from the game: play a Test in Pakistan.

The 41-year-old Misbah, who has only played five of his 58 Tests for Pakistan at home, was overrun with emotion when Zimbabwe became the first full member nation to visit the country after the deadly attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in 2009. But he could only see the action from the sidelines, having retired from ODIs after the 2015 World Cup.

So days after another Pakistan veteran Younis Khan laid out his future plans, the usually understated Misbah too has opened about how he would like to end his career with the team.

“I am really anxiously waiting for Test cricket in Pakistan. Nothing better than that, if you play in front of your home crowd and at your home ground. So I'm really hoping that before I’ve got to retire ... really wish to play in Pakistan,” Misbah told Sports360 in an interview.

Zimbabwe played three ODIs and two T20s on their historic visit to Pakistan but hosting a full Test series in the country remains an unlikely prospect for the national board in the foreseeable future. But Misbah believes it is something that could materialise before he retires.

“It will be really a wish that could come true before I retire.”

Pakistan's upcoming Test engagements include a series against England, to be played in the UAE, and a potential date with India. There have been no indications that either series could be shifted to Pakistan.

Misbah, who has scored 4000 Test and 5122 ODIs runs for Pakistan, is also mulling the possibility of a career in television and coaching for when he calls it quits.

“Honestly speaking I’m just thinking about what to do next. I’ve got some different options. TV and coaching and I can play a little bit of cricket also, let’s see. I mean the only thing that matters is you retire because you want to give more time to your family.

“So I would love to do something which I can just stay with my family in one place.”

Misbah, who has been given the title of ‘Tuk Tuk’ by some local fans and experts for his cautious approach to batting, wants to continue to feature in T20 fixtures at home and in foreign leagues after his international career.

To the surprise of many, T20 cricket is something Misbah is very natural at.

“I revived my career in 2007 T20 World Cup. So it’s always good to be in shorter formats because you go there and play with a bit of independence. I’m enjoying my cricket and maybe I’m going to play, for a year or a couple of years, only T20 cricket after Test cricket.”

Opinion

First line of defence

First line of defence

Pakistan’s foreign service has long needed reform to be able to adapt to global changes and leverage opportunities in a more multipolar world.

Editorial

Eid amidst crises
Updated 31 Mar, 2025

Eid amidst crises

Until the Muslim world takes practical steps to end these atrocities, these besieged populations will see no joy.
Women’s rights
Updated 01 Apr, 2025

Women’s rights

Such judgements, and others directly impacting women’s rights should be given more airtime in media.
Not helping
31 Mar, 2025

Not helping

THE continued detention of Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders — including Dr Mahrang Baloch in Quetta and Sammi ...
Hard habits
Updated 30 Mar, 2025

Hard habits

Their job is to ensure that social pressures do not build to the point where problems like militancy and terrorism become a national headache.
Dreams of gold
30 Mar, 2025

Dreams of gold

PROSPECTS of the Reko Diq project taking off soon seem to have brightened lately following the completion of the...
No invitation
30 Mar, 2025

No invitation

FOR all of Pakistan’s hockey struggles, including their failure to qualify for the Olympics and World Cup as well...