Top five moments forever engraved in Misbah’s legacy:
No 1 Test team in the world
Misbah brought Pakistan the ultimate Test honour when, under his leadership, Pakistan became the number one ranked Test side for the first time in the country’s history after drawing England series in August 2016.
Most successful Pakistani and Asian captain
Misbah became Pakistan’s most successful Test captain ever following the conclusion of the series against New Zealand in UAE in November 2014.
Two years later, he became the most successful Asian captain by winning his 10th series (against West Indies in October 2016), surpassing the Indian duo of Saurav Ganguly and MS Dhoni, who both had won nine Test series each.
Series draw against England
It was during the Pakistan tour to England in the summer of 2016 when Misbah gave the cricketing world his most famous pose ever: the push-ups, which quickly set a trend in Pakistan cricket and in other circles around the world.
Equalling Sir Viv Richards’ fastest century record
Misbah – always the steady one – broke away all stereotypes when he equalled West Indian legend Sir Vivian Richards’ record for the (then) fastest century in Tests, reaching the milestone in 56 balls against Australia in Abu Dhabi in November 2014.
Taking the reins in difficult times
Misbah took over the Test reins at a time when Pakistan cricket was badly shaken by the infamous spot-fixing scandal of 2010 – an incident which had left players’ confidence shaky and smeared the image of the country.
Despite the challenging times, Misbah rebuilt the team and instilled a renewed sense of self-esteem and courage in his players, who rallied around him and pushed Pakistan cricket forward unhindered by the negativity.
Bilal Nasir Khan 