Triumphant leader feels proud

Published November 14, 2014
Misbah ul Haq, captain of Pakistan talks to the media. — Photo courtesy: ICC
Misbah ul Haq, captain of Pakistan talks to the media. — Photo courtesy: ICC

ABU DHABI: Misbah-ul-Haq said he felt proud to become his country’s most successful captain, four years after he was handed the job in the post spot-fixing scandal which left Pakistan cricket in tatters.

Misbah bettered his illustrious countrymen Imran Khan (14 wins in 48 Tests as captain) and Javed Miandad (14 wins in 35 Tests).

A humble Misbah said he felt proud to be the best.

“It sounds great and thanks to Almighty and you can see the names Imran Khan, Javed Miandad and I am at the top,” said Misbah who captained for the 33rd time since taking over in October 2010.

“I can’t feel better on this record but I think they were better than me before and will remain better always.”

Misbah said when he looks back at the bad times of his captaincy the achievement feels even greater.

“When I look back today it’s a big happiness because when I started this journey it was tough, when I was captain it was uncertain, I was not even in the team and it was a do-or-die situation and suddenly I was the captain,” the Pakistan captain said.

Pakistan had to start afresh after a spot-fixing scandal which resulted in bans on then Test captain Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir.

“When I look back the way I performed and the way the team responded it is incredible, youngsters or seniors, everyone, gave his best and that’s why we deserved the results and all the players deserve credit for this,” said Misbah.

Misbah said the key to his success was he never lost hope.

“Good days or bad days, I never lost hope and credit also goes to the Pakistan Cricket Board that despite so many changes in the set-up [of the board] they kept faith in me and I hope even after me there is consistency in captaincy because this gives you results,” said Misbah.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2014

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