Skipper Misbah ul Haq on Tuesday confirmed his retirement from one-day internationals but said he would continue to play tests in which format he is Pakistan's most successful captain. He told reporters about his team's performance.
"Everyone in the team performed well but we lost to the best team, Australia, and not any ordinary team and there was not one player who did not make an effort to win. Because of our determination and efforts we reached the quarter-finals despite having lost the first two matches. The team played good cricket despite multiple set-backs and lost players to injuries. Pakistan's bowling is their strong point and the bowlers played spectacularly but our batting and fielding needs improvement."
When asked about his favourite for the World Cup, Misbah said, "I think New Zealand will win the tournament."
About his critics, Misbah said it was disappointing to see former players on television laying into the team, "using abusive words that are way below the basic standard of ethics". He said the media should have some rules for people appearing on screens or at least some basic training "because it seems that anyone who cannot find a job in the country becomes an expert or analyst on screens".
He said he was blamed for everything when the batting failed the media blamed him, when the bowling failed, the media blamed him and when the fielding failed it again blamed him. He said he could take the responsibility to a certain limit but he was "not the devil". "I did not attack the Sri Lankan team, I did not end international cricket in Pakistan. Why blame me for everything," he said.
Misbah said the coach and the captain should have the authority to make selections. "The team selection is done by the selection committee. A captain can only recommend players, but does not have the final say on selection."
When asked as to why Sarfraz Ahmed was not included in the playing-XI during the initial matches, Misbah said, "Initially, Sarfraz Ahmed had difficulties but there were no differences in the team. "We gave a chance to a proper opener and after trying all options brought in Sarfraz. There was no issue with Sarfraz, myself and Waqar had promoted Sarfraz in the UAE [the United Arab Emirates] as an opener."
Misbah said his one-day career had come to an end and the decision of his retirement was final. "My ODI career ends now. I am satisfied with my career and gave it my full effort. In the future I will pray for the Pakistan team," Misbah added.
Misbah went on to say Shahid Afridi was the only genuine all-rounder in the squad and there was no one to replace him. "Shahid Afridi was in good form and there was no one to replace him as the number seven in batting."
He also thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board for supporting him despite all the criticism. "The cricket board supported me throughout my tenure as captain. I have no suspicions about anyone's effort."
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