Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net; Misbah who has not featured in a 50 over World Cup match stated that taking part in a World Cup tournament is the high point for any cricketer and how much he is looking forward to the tournament.

by Saj Sadiq

20 January 2011

After being dropped for the final three one day internationals against South Africa last year in the UAE, few would have predicted that Misbah ul Haq would be vying for the captain's role in the upcoming World Cup. His place in the World Cup squad was under threat after he was dropped from the one day side in the United Arab Emirates after scores of 17 and 14 respectively. However Misbah has not let the setback of having to sit and watch the final three one dayers against South Africa affect him. Instead, as test skipper he led his team to a credible test series draw against South Africa in the UAE and then an admirable test series victory in New Zealand, the first test series victory for Pakistan outside their shores since 2006.

Misbah's recent test form has been nothing short of superb, with half centuries in all of his last 6 innings. His scores have ranged from 58 to 99 and have portrayed a calmness and assurance that has sadly been lacking from the Pakistani test lineup since the retirement of Inzamam ul Haq. In his next test innings Misbah has the opportunity to equal the world record of seven consecutive half centuries.

Whilst Pakistan's next full tour is to the Caribbean in April, the imminent challenge to Misbah and his team mates is to repeat the achievment of Imran's Cornered Tigers in 1992. 

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net; Misbah who has not featured in a 50 over World Cup match stated that taking part in a World Cup tournament is the high point for any cricketer and how much he is looking forward to the tournament.

"It's an absolute honour for any professional cricketer to play in a World Cup and it's a dream come true to take part in a World Cup and represent your country. It's the unquestionable pinnacle for any cricketer and I can't wait for the tournament to start."

Misbah has impressed all around him since taking over the reigns as captain, including fans, his team mates, selectors and Board officials with his leadership of the test team and it was no surprise that the 36 year old Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited skipper was named in the 15 man squad for the World Cup. 

Whilst Misbah's fortunes have improved, one day captain Shahid Afridi's recent fortunes have declined with series losses to England and South Africa, as well as reported unrest between Afridi, the coaching staff, management and some of his team mates. Having been summoned by Board Chairman Ijaz Butt recently to clear the air, many observers felt that the meeting between the Chairman and the current one day and twenty20 skipper would result in a vote of confidence for Afridi, but the announcement of the World Cup squad minus a captain and vice captain was far from the vote of confidence that Afridi desired.

The six one day internationals against New Zealand present Afridi with an ideal opportunity to cement his place as captain for the World Cup and beyond and to "win over" some of his doubters amongst the PCB, team mates and team management. However a poor performance in New Zealand for Afridi and his team and he could find himself demoted as skipper.

Given that the World Cup next month is very likely to be Misbah's final World Cup, he goes into the tournament fully focussed and prepared for the tournament and he feels that he will not let anyone down if he is provided with an opportunity to show his talents.

"I am fully prepared and ready to take part in the World Cup, the rest is up to the team management. If they feel that I have a role in the side and they think that I can contribute, then I will certainly not let anyone down." Its always been my heartfelt wish to play in a 50 over World Cup and I am certain that I can perform well during the upcoming tournament."

Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Canada and start their campaign against Kenya on 23rd February in Hambantota.