Misbah to retire from limited-over internationals post WC to focus on Test cricket

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq has revealed that he would retire from limited-overs internationals after guiding his national team in the World Cup to focus on Test cricket.

The veteran batsman, who set a record last year for the most Test wins by a Pakistan captain, claimed that the long format of the game remains the ultimate test for him and they have tough series coming against England and India.

Meanwhile, Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi would quit ODIs after the World Cup to concentrate on T20 cricket, the BBC reported.

Misbah, who made his ODI debut in 2002, has scored 4,669 runs at an average of 42.83 in 153 ODIs, and captained Pakistan in 78 games. He has played 29 Twenty20 internationals, the most recent of which was 2012.

Misbah said that he took the decision to retire after much thought and feels that this is the best time to go from ODIs, adding that the World Cup is his last ODI venture.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shahryar Khan said that the skipper has been a big source of inspiration for the Pakistan team since the spot-fixing scandal and added that it is Misbah's personal decision to retire from ODIs after the World Cup.

The World Cup in Australia and New Zealand starts on 14 February, with Pakistan's opening Pool B game against India in Adelaide the following day.

Pakistan will also host England in a three-Test series in late 2015, followed by two Tests against India, the report added.