Misbah to lead Pakistan during West Indies tour

Abdul Majid Bhatti

March 06, 2017

Clouds of uncertainty over Misbah-ul-Haq’s Test career have dissipated for the time being, as the skipper has made himself available for the upcoming Pakistan tour to West Indies.

Misbah on Monday notified the Pakistan Cricket Board about his availability for the Test series next month.

Meanwhile, the board has approved Sarfraz Ahmed's appointment as Test vice captain. Sarfraz is already Pakistan's ODI and T20 captain.

Pakistan will play three Tests against the West Indies in late April. The Tests will be preceded by three ODIs and four T20Is. Pakistan selectors are due to announce a limited over squad later this week while a Test team will be announced later.

Last week, Misbah had said in a post-match conference during PSL that he would make a decision on his retirement from Test cricket after meeting PCB Chairman Shahryar Khan in coming days. He had added on the occasion that he is honoured that the PCB has given him the space to decide whether he would like to continue playing or not.

Misbah, meanwhile, has pledged his commitment to Pakistan cricket's cause. After receiving the ICC Spirit of Cricket award during the post-match ceremony of the PSL final at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday night, he said he is "committed to the team’s cause and to keep that discipline.”

The 42-year-old had hinted his international career was over after Pakistan lost the second of three Tests in Australia but changed his mind before the third in Sydney.

After Pakistan were routed 3-0 by Australia -- their fourth straight white-wash in Australia since 1999 -- former players including Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja said it was time for him to quit.

Misbah is Pakistan's most successful captain, having led the country in 53 of his 72 Tests. Under his captaincy the team have won 24 and lost 18 matches with the remaining 11 drawn.

Misbah´s Islamabad United team won the PSL title last year, and he will now captain Hong Kong Island United (under the same Pakistani ownership) in the forthcoming Hong Kong T20 Blitz which begins Wednesday.