Misbah keeps everyone in dark over retirement plans

Lahore: Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq may be 42-years-old, but he is still not thinking too hard about his retirement.

As his team prepares for their upcoming Australia tour, Misbah says that he himself has not come to any conclusions about retiring from the game yet.

"I am at a certain stage of my career where I only think what I can give back to my team,” Misbah said to cricket news portal ESPNCricinfo.

“I am thinking but haven't reached any conclusion, but my whole thought process is all about the team – if they can move on without me or not,” he said. “And how I can do more as a senior to inspire and make this team stand on its own.”

Despite not having thought about retirement as of yet, Misbah believes that the current crop of Pakistani players have the potential to shoulder the big responsibilities.

"I do believe these boys have the capability to take responsibility and can deliver. So I am actually thinking if it's good to leave at this stage,” said Misbah.

The Pakistan captain says that he does not want a long tearful farewell.

“This is a decision I want to take on my own and I don't think I need to pre-announce it. I don't think that it is necessary for me to mark any series my last but I can take it any time without even having a farewell,” he said. “I don't have to make my retirement plan a big issue by beating drums all over.”