Daily Times

KARACHI: Pakistan test team captain Misbahul Haq has been advised to heed his initial announcement and retire by former captains of the team.

World Cup winner turned commentator Ramiz Raja said it was now time for Misbah to move on.

Speaking to media he said, “I think Misbah´s time is up. Every sportsman goes through this phase and captain Misbah has offered enough so it´s time to move on.”

The former captain, who had also served a turn as the Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Cricket Board added, “I think a captain can only give his best for five years, a period where he gives his maximum, and then his flow chart goes down. After that opponents know about his strategies and Misbah has spent that in a glorious way. He has played his innings well to become Pakistan´s most successful skipper.

Bowling legend Wasim Akram agreed with Ramiz. “It´s not my call but perhaps if I was in his place I would have quit at this point, having achieved so much,” he said.

He pointed out his own time as captain of the team, saying “When I lost 3-0 in Australia in 1999 I was replaced as captain despite the fact we fought hard in the first two Tests — but a defeat has such consequences.”

Akram also gave his opinion on the form and contribution of Younis Khan, Pakistan´s all-time leading Test run-getter, who was in the team despite turning 39. “Before the third Test I was of the opinion that Younis should also go but he batted well and can play for some more time,” he said.

Misbah led Pakistan to 24 wins and 18 losses in the 54 tests he captained since taking over in the wake of the spot-fixing scandal in 2010.

He also became the first Pakistani captain who lead his side to the top of the Test rankings since 1988, a feat the team achieved despite being unable to play their home matches in Pakistan due to the uncertain security situation in the country.