PCB tells Misbah-ul-Haq not to retire till England tour next year

Misbah-ul-Haq has been asked by the PCB to continue in his role for next year's tour to England and put off any retirement plans.

Karachi: Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq has been asked by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to continue in his role for next year's tour to England and put off any retirement plans.

PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan told the media in Lahore on Thursday that Misbah would inform the Board about his retirement plans after the Test series against England ends next month.

"We have told him to delay his retirement for a year if he is thinking on those lines," Khan said.

"We feel his presence as captain and senior player will be invaluable to the team for the Test tours to England and Australia next year," he added.

Misbah, 41, has said in recent media interactions that he will take a decision on his retirement after the Test series with England in the UAE.

Misbah, who has become Pakistan's most successful Test captain after leading Pakistan to victory over England in the second match in Dubai last week, has said he remains undecided about his future.

The middle-order batsman has been the Test captain since late 2010 but has not got the opportunity to lead the team in the longest format in England, Australia or India.

Pakistan will tour England next summer for a four-match series after 2010 while it last played Tests in Australia also in early 2010.

The PCB chief also made it clear that he had not as yet approved the final squad for the one-day series against England and so media reports about him giving clearance for Younis Khan's selection were not correct.

"I have had a discussion with the selectors on the ODI squad but nothing is final as yet. It is the job of the selectors and team management to see which is the best possible combination for the matches against England," he stated.