IT may be a tad trite to say ‘he came, he saw, he conquered’, but perhaps the phrase best sums up the distinguished career of Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who has announced his plans to retire at the end of the series against the West Indies that starts later this month. There is hardly a job that is more challenging and thankless in world cricket than being captain of the Pakistani team. But Misbah, who had a mountain to climb when he took charge of a disgraced unit in the aftermath of the spot-fixing scam in England in 2010, bore his load without fuss. Calm and affable, and always a man of few words, Misbah has achieved a great deal in his rather short career by hoisting the team to the top of the ICC Test rankings last August. His dislike of arrogance on the field and his uncomplicated manner of playing the game are qualities alien to many of his charges. However, his obstinacy and skill at the crease have often proved intimidating to bowlers and have earned the respect of colleagues and adversaries alike.

Of course, Misbah wanted to win everything, and almost did as Pakistan cricket enjoyed a golden run in the UAE, its adopted home since 2009. But his credentials as a natural leader were questioned by some critics who blamed him for inculcating a defensive mindset in the team. Heavy defeats in South Africa in Test matches and the recent drubbing Down Under also somewhat blotted his otherwise almost unblemished career as captain, though he led Pakistan to a famous drawn series with England last year. At 43, Misbah remains the fittest and most competitive of Pakistani players, traits that convinced the PCB to overlook the need to groom his successor in the game — although, by Misbah’s own admission, the dashing wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfraz Ahmed is ready to assume the role. Nevertheless, it is quite clear that Misbah’s will be a tough act to follow.

Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2017