Pakistan captain Misbahul Haq has said that he has no intentions of stepping down as skipper and was keen to lead the national team in all three formats of the game, including in the Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka in September.
“I don’t want to confine myself to only playing Test matches. I know I am good enough for all three formats and I am looking forward to leading Pakistan in Twenty20 World Cup,” Misbah said amidst speculations that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and new coach Dav Whatmore wanted to have separate teams for the three formats and were looking at Shoaib Malik to lead the Twenty20 side.
He also rejected suggestions that he batted slowly in the limited overs cricket. “These allegations that I am a slow player are ridiculous because I bat according to the situation of the match and that is what every good batsman will do,” Misbah was quoted as saying. Misbah, despite leading Pakistan to many Test, ODI and Twenty20 victories in the last one year, has been criticised for being too slow and defensive and critics believe he is better off just playing Test cricket. Misbah, who turns 38 next month, said that he did not come under pressure because of what people said about his batting style. “I don’t take any pressure. When I made a comeback to the Pakistan team people said I am too old for international cricket and I would not be able to perform. But I produced runs and proved them wrong.”
Misbah pointed out that being the captain there was added responsibility on him to bat carefully. But he had won many matches for Pakistan and it was wrong to say he was not a good finisher. He said he and other players were extremely disappointed that Bangladesh had postponed its proposed tour to Pakistan. “We were all preparing for the Bangladesh visit because it would have meant the return of international cricket to Pakistan after three years and we would have got a chance to play on our own grounds and in front of our people. But the postponement came as a real dampner for all of us,” he said.
Misbah agreed that former players could play a big role in convincing foreign players to play in Pakistan. “On tours we do keep on talking to the players of other teams and trying to convince them we play regular events in Pakistan and there are no security issues. We are still trying to do our best and play our role hopefully something will come good soon.” On the absence of Pakistan players in the Indian Premier League, Misbah said it was sad that Pakistan players were missing from the event. “It is a big event and there is quality cricket being played in the IPL. Every player wants to be part of the IPL. Unfortunately we are not part of it but that is not our fault and nor can we do anything about it. But definitely we would love the opportunity to play in the IPL and show our calibre to the world,” he said.
