Pakistan’s most successful skipper, Misbah-ul-Haq, will retire after the Test series against West Indies.
The 42-year-old, who is the oldest current international cricketer, has led Pakistan in 53 Tests, winning 24, losing 18 and drawing 11.
He told reporters at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore that he was under no pressure to retire.
‘There was no pressure on me. I was planning to quit after the England series in the UAE [in October 2015], but there were some things and I had to carry on playing. But overall it’s fine and not like I am under any pressure or somebody has dictated this to me.
‘I have myself understood that this is it and it’s purely my own decision. It’s a wrong impression that the board has enforced this as my last series or there’s a patch-up between me and the cricket board.
‘I thought to play against West Indies, because it was important for us as we haven’t won against them in their own backyard.
‘The series against the West Indies is my last series,’ he said.
During difficult circumstances and security issues in Pakistan, Misbah led his team to a world number one test ranking last year, despite playing no home matches.
The 3-0 defeat against Australia in January was Pakistan’s fourth consecutive 3-0 whitewash in Australia since 1999, and despite his successful record as captain, the veteran was expected to call time on his career.
Former Pakistan legends demanded he step down after the whitewash in Australia.
‘I think Misbah’s time is up,’ former captain Ramiz Raja said at the time.
‘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,’ he added.
After the loss, Misbah said he would take his time to decide on the future, but has now decided that he will call it quits.
‘My cricket journey was very good,’ he said on Thursday.
‘There were many hardships in my career but for now, I am focusing on the present situation.
‘The series against West Indies is a good opportunity to bring the team back on the winning track. The last six Test matches do not reflect the abilities of our team.’
