LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan has congratulated Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq, national squad, head coach Mickey Arthur, manager Talat Ali and the entire support staff on the team’s superb series-clinching victory in the third and final Test at Roseau, Dominica.

Misbah’s men overpowered West Indies by 101 runs in the third Test on Sunday, in the process winning the Test series 2-1 — Pakistan’s first-ever in the West Indies. The historic triumph in Roseau ended the Test career of Misbah and Younis Khan — Pakistan’s proud stalwarts -- on a high note.

“This heart-warming performance by the Pakistan side has been celebrated across the country and raised national morale. It is also a series to be remembered as two great cricketers produced by the country, Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan retire from international cricket. They have both been the backbone of the side and led the batting of Pakistan cricket team for years,” Shaharyar was quoted as saying in a PCB press release.

“Misbah took charge of the Pakistan team in most difficult circumstances. Through his serene leadership and superb tactical skills he bought success and dignity to the Pakistan team.

“He [Misbah] raised the team’s performance so that Pakistan was the top Test team in the world. The icing on the cake for him was Pakistan’s historic win in the West Indies. Misbah is a living icon of Pakistan cricket and has earned accolades for the country, due to the team’s excellent performance and conduct.

On Younis Khan, Pakistan’s highest run-getter in Tests, the press release said, “Younis is also a legend in his life time. He is Pakistan’s highest Test scorer and his superb fielding at second ship has brought many wickets for Pakistan. Younis has been an epitome of grace, sincerity and enthusiasm for all future generations of Pakistan. He deserves the highest accolades as an outstanding cricketer and human being.”

Meanwhile, executive committee chairman Najam Sethi also congratulated the captain, manager, head coach and the team management for recording a historic Test series victory in the West Indies.

He was all praise for Younis and Misbah for their meritorious services to Pakistan cricket.

“Younis has been a great servant of Pakistan cricket. He on a numerous occasions has come to rescue Pakistan batting and his 34 centuries in Test cricket with over 10,000 runs justifies his talent. He will always be remembered as a team player,” Sethi said.

Lauding the skipper, Sethi said, “Misbah was backbone of Pakistan batting. Under his captaincy not only Pakistan became the world No. 1 team in ICC Test rankings, but was also lauded in different countries for their discipline. Misbah will surely go down in the history books as one of the most successful captains produced by Pakistan,” concluded Sethi.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2017