ICC 2016 World T20: Pakistan can win, says Misbah-ul-Haq

Guest writer Sajid Sadiq of www.pakpassion.net, speaks to Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq about the side's hopes of winning the World T20...

Does part of you wish you were in Pakistan's World T20 squad? 

Misbah-ul-Haq: Nothing of that sort has crossed my mind as it's too late now and it has been a little more than four years since I last played a T20I game. Having said that, at the point when I retired from T20Is, I did feel that I could have played a little more for my country but that is now in the past. For now, we all have to get behind the team and the captain, and I wish them all the best for the tournament.

Do you think Pakistan can win the World T20? 

Misbah: Despite the disappointing results in the Asia Cup recently, I do believe that Pakistan have a good chance of going all the way at the World T20. Plus, the timing of the Asia Cup just before the World T20 would have been ideal as the team got some good match practice in ahead of the competition. I have always maintained that our team has great potential and has an excellent chance to win, especially as it is being played on the sub-continent.

Shahid Afridi has suggested that he may continue to play for Pakistan after the World T20, do you think that would be a wise decision?

Misbah: It is a personal decision and one that is really up to Shahid. He is an experienced player who knows his game inside-out and he also understands how much commitment he has left in him and what he can give to the Pakistan team. All these considerations are important for any player when it is time to make such a crucial decision.

How much longer do you see yourself playing for Pakistan? 

Misbah: To tell you the truth, I don't really know how long I can continue to play for Pakistan. I had planned to retire at the end of the England series in the UAE or after playing against India in a series which didn't materialize, but now all my thoughts are about the tour of England this summer.

I paid attention to calls from the Pakistan Cricket Board and others, asking me to accompany the team to England this summer, as that will be a difficult series and the team will need my support and guidance. I am looking forward to it as it will be a huge personal challenge for me. I will consider my options after that series.

It is possible that I may go on to play another few series after that but once again, I don't want to look too far ahead into the future at this point.

Are you feeling any pressure for a decision on your retirement? 

Misbah: It goes without saying that one does take into account the thoughts and wishes of people around you. I do give some weight to such advice but regardless of what the advice is, it is down to me to decide on this matter based on whether I can contribute to the success of my team or not. If I ever feel that I am no longer contributing to the team then that would be the time to move on.

What are your impressions so far of Mohammad Amir's re-integration and his return to international cricket?

Misbah: He bowled really well in the Bangladesh Premier League and in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League. He also bowled beautifully in the Asia Cup, so I am totally satisfied with his performances so far. His attitude on the field too gives me no cause for concern. He can become a great for Pakistan in the coming years.

The next big challenge for Amir will be the tour of England, as quite frankly no one really knows what to expect in terms of what he will face from the crowd and the media. The board and the team management will need to think carefully about how to handle and manage any complications which could arise.

Given the history of controversies on tours of England, how important is it to have this tour be controversy free? 

Misbah: I believe all we need to do is to go out there and concentrate on playing the best cricket we can. This will be a challenging tour for us as England are a very tough team to beat in their own backyard.

We will need to play some excellent cricket and only by playing almost beyond our potential can we make sure that the emphasis is on cricket and nothing else. All other considerations will then be swept aside.

For the full version of Sajid Sadiq's interview with Misbah-ul-Haq, visit www.pakpassion.net.

Sky Sports is the only place you can watch all 35 games in 27 days of the 2016 ICC World T20, starting with Zimbabwe v UAE on Tuesday 8th March at 9am on Sky Sports 2 HD.  Or watch from £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TV.