Next series is after 7-8 months, so I’ve got some time: Misbah-ul-Haq on retirement

If Pakistan don't play against India in December, Misbah-ul-Haq might have to wait until 2016 before Pakistan play against England.

Pakistan, Pakistan news, Pakistan cricket, cricket Pakistan, Pakistan cricket team, Misbah ul Haq, Misbah, cricket news, cricket

Misbah-ul-Haq had hinted before the Test series that it could be his last at the age of 41. (Source: Reuters)

Pakistan’s most successful Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq has put his retirement plans on hold after beating England by 127 runs in the third Test on Thursday to clinch the series 2-0.

Misbah, who has already retired from Twenty20s and ODIs, had hinted before the Test series that it could be his last at the age of 41.

“I just buy a little bit more time, maybe the next series is after 7-8 months, so I’ve got some time,” Misbah said.

Story continues below this ad

“It’s really good for me to go and think whether I want to continue or not, but let’s see.”

If Pakistan doesn’t play against India in December, Misbah might have to wait until next year before Pakistan next plays a Test match against England.

Misbah has won 20 Test matches as captain while leading Pakistan in 42 Test matches since 2010. He lost 11 and drew the other 11 Test matches.

His victories include a 3-0 whitewash of England in 2012 – also in the United Arab Emirates – and Thursday’s win has lifted Pakistan to No. 2 in Test rankings for the first time in the last 10 years.

Story continues below this ad

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan also met Misbah during the second Test match in Abu Dhabi and asked him not to step down from Test cricket after the series against England.

Khan once again insisted on Thursday that he won’t allow Misbah to quit leading the team in Test matches.

“No matter what Misbah says, I won’t let him go now,” Khan told reporters in Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore soon after the victory at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. “He has tremendous leadership qualities and we need that in future too.”

Stay updated with the latest sports news across Cricket, Football, Chess, and more. Catch all the action with real-time live cricket score updates and in-depth coverage of ongoing matches.