Mishbah Will Lead Pakistan in World Cup

KARACHI:  Even though Misbah-ul-Haq is carrying a grade two hamstring injury, the chairman of PCB Shaharyar Khan has made it clear he will lead Pakistan in the World Cup 2015.

“This is the first time that Misbah has copped an injury in his career and he is working hard to recover from it and I am confident he will be ready in time for the World Cup,” Shaharyar said yesterday.

Misbah pulled his hamstring during the second one-day international against New Zealand in the UAE recently and there had been fears that his injury might require more than six weeks to heal completely.

A specialist noted that a grade two hamstring injury meant the problem could recur anytime.

But Shaharyar said Misbah, 41, was the chosen captain for the World Cup.

“There is no need for concern. I have spoken to Misbah and he is confident his injury will heal in time and he will be ready for the World Cup. He is a thorough professional and when he says he will be fit I am ready to back him all the way,” Shaharyar added.

The PCB chief said the national selectors would announce the World Cup squad on January 7 and were also consulting Misbah and coach Waqar Younis in this regard.

Interestingly, Misbah, on Monday evening at a function organised to give him an award, credited Shaharyar for backing and supporting him strongly at a time when he was under pressure and out of form.

“It was the PCB chairman who lifted my spirits and showed faith in me at a time when I was struggling for form and not getting runs,” Misbah said.

Shaharyar admitted that Pakistan’s recent performances in one-day internationals had not been very encouraging compared to their Test record.

“If we speak honestly our ODI performances have not been up to the mark and we need to improve a lot in many areas. But what is encouraging is that the players are trying hard and I am sure when the World Cup comes around they will be ready for the challenge,” he said.

Shaharyar also said the decision to hold fitness tests for players on December 27 and 28 was taken by the selectors and staff at the National Cricket Academy.

“I am sure it is good for the players. We have a bunch of talented players and if they are 100 percent fit they should do well in the World Cup.”