‘I have learnt from Javed about batting, it is best this record stays with him’

Miandad said there was so much cricket being played these days that 7000 or 8000 runs did not count that much.

“I would have liked to see Inzamam score many more runs than me but whatever happened it does not change the fact that he was one of our best players.” Inzamam scored 14 and 3 in his final Test against South Africa and was stumped while trying hit spinner Paul Harris.

Inzamam later said it was good that he did not surpass Miandad’s record because he considered him a better batsman than himself. “I have learnt from Javed about batting, it is best this record stays with him,” Inzamam said. Miandad said it was worrying that a faulty domestic structure was not encouraging the emergence of class batsmen like Inzamam.

Former captain and fast bowling great Wasim Akram said Inzamam’s decision to retire has come at the right time. “I know it is difficult to retire but at least he got the chance to do it in front of his own people and on his home ground. Many of us did not get this opportunity,” he said.

Inzamam’s teammate Rashid Latif described him as one of the best players of fast bowling. “After Javed he was the best, in fact, more naturally talented. He played a lot of quality innings for the team.” Latif said he was sad to see Inzamam falling short of Miandad’s record. “It would have been a befitting way to say goodbye to cricket for him,” Latif added.

Inzamam’s present teammates including Mohammad Yousuf, with whom he shared a lot of fruitful partnerships, hailed their former captain. “Inzamam was a source of great strength for the team and his presence in the dressing room was a big plus for all of us. He had our respect as captain and senior player all the time,” Yousuf said.

Inzamam’s successor Shoaib Malik broke down in tears at the farewell ceremony and said he had got a lot of support from Inzamam. “You look at the number of times Pakistan won when Inzi bhai played a big innings and it shows the quality of his runs. You don’t always judge great batsmen by their averages.” Inzamam’s wife, Kashifa and other family members were present at the Gaddafi stadium for the ceremony.

“I know my father would be a very sad man today because I am leaving cricket; he always wanted me to play this game,” Inzamam said.