Misbah unseats Imran Khan to become country's most-capped captain

E-Paper | September 30, 2026

Misbah unseats Imran Khan to become country's most-capped captain

Dawn.com Published October 30, 2016

Misbah-ul-Haq on Sunday became the country's most-capped captain, breaking the record of former legendary cricketer Imran Khan to lead Pakistan for the 49th time in a Test match.

42-year-old Misbah was appointed captain in 2010.

When Misbah was made captan, Pakistan were ranked number six in Tests. Within the next six Tests, he toppled the ranking card, having 24 Test wins on his credit.

Under his captaincy, Pakistan won 24 matches, lost 13 and drawn 11 matches.

Earlier, Imran Khan held the title of most-capped captain of the country. Khan led the Pakistani team in 48 matches from 1982 to 1992. During his decade-long tenure, Pakistan won 14 matches, lost eight and drew 26 matches.

Overall, former South African skipper Graeme Smith is the most-capped captain, having led his team 109 times from 2003 to 2014.

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ACHOO Billa

Oct 30, 2016 10:55am

Let's see when he will demand the PM Post.

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NaveedKhan

Oct 30, 2016 11:03am

What a story Misbah is for Pakistan cricket and a true inspiration for many generations of young cricketers. A gentleman and very disciplined guy.

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Ibrahim

Oct 30, 2016 11:17am

And the Oldest test playing Captain in Cricket.

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Sarwat

Oct 30, 2016 11:19am

He still needs to bring a cup home rest is all side kick. You wanna beat Imran's record bring 2 world cups home.

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kanwarch

Oct 30, 2016 11:30am

A true legend and most under rated captain. He is a credit to Pakistan and his family. Well done Misbah.

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Observer

Oct 30, 2016 11:36am

Shukria Nawaz Sharif

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Zahir Masood

Oct 30, 2016 11:48am

Great Achievement Misbah, hope you will not use this popularity to enter in political arena.

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Muhammad

Oct 30, 2016 12:06pm

Misbah is a gentleman. Moreover, he is not schizophrenic.

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Faisal shah

Oct 30, 2016 12:50pm

Misbah a cool and emotionless player thats why he is leading.

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Anwar

Oct 30, 2016 12:57pm

Feeling Silly -- Let's forget Imran, I want Misbah to be the next PM of Pakistan! Go Imran Go! Go Imran Go! Go Imran Go! Go Imran Go! Go Imran Go! Go Imran Go!

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PHILOSOPHER (FROM JAPAN)

Oct 30, 2016 01:22pm

Congrats. Misbah and team green.

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Pathetic

Oct 30, 2016 01:49pm

Dawn I must congratulate your sports editor for this amazing discovery! I am sure he or she will be suitably rewarded.

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Nawaz

Oct 30, 2016 03:02pm

Misbah for PM! If IK's only claim to the premiership is his legacy as the cricket team captain, then Misbah by all counts has a bigger claim to it.

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Arshad

Oct 30, 2016 04:55pm

He is the best captain so far, who has achieved more than any other, especially under adverse conditions for Pakistan cricket team.

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Fawzia H

Oct 30, 2016 06:27pm

Well done misbah. Next goal politics?

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Subhash

Oct 30, 2016 10:07pm

Misbah is one of the best things to happen to Pakistan cricket. He seems calm and collected with a good thinking brain. His apolitical nature also seems to help in unifying the team. He came onto the international scene a bit late otherwise he probably would have rewritten many more such records.

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Ali Khan

Nov 01, 2016 02:50am

Can Misbah and his team beat WI of 1980's? Answer is no. It is not matter how many matches win or loose, its a matter of how one play the game. I have seen both; Both contributed greatly; But Imran is above par not to Misbah but perhaps to all other modern players of his era and even today. Cricket of 70 and 80 were real ones not like today, where genuine fast bowlers are extinct species. In that era there were at least 10-15 genuine fast bowlers, now not a single one like them Cricket beauty comes from the perspective of fast bowling which bring the best in great batsman.

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