Misbah-ul-Haq hits back at Shoaib Akhtar's criticism

Misbah-ul-Haq

Lahore, March 25 (IANS)

Pakistan's recently retired One-Day International (ODI) captain Misbah-ul-Haq on Wednesday hit back at his critics, who he felt had been showing lack of support for his team throughout the cricket World Cup.

The 40-year-old came under regular attack from pundits and former players in Pakistan during the quadrennial event with the vitriol directed towards him. It became vicious after Pakistan lost their opening two matches to India and the West Indies.

“It hurts when it comes from senior players who played with us, they did not learn any morality in any form or from any institute. They use such words that the whole world could have been shocked listening to them,” Misbah was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“Think before speaking on TV”

The right-handed batsman was recently described as selfish and cowardly on Pakistani television by former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar, following the team's loss to India.

“When everyone is praising Pakistan, they are still standing on their one-point agenda: The batting has flopped because of Misbah, or the bowling has flopped but let's put the blame on Misbah,” Misbah said, who ended the World Cup as the highest run-scorer for Pakistan with 350.

“It's not because of one man. I didn't attack the Sri Lankan team nor have I finished international cricket in Pakistan.”

Pakistan crashed out of the mega event after losing to four-time champions Australia in the quarter-finals at the Adelaide Oval.

“It is such problems that we have to face it. It's not right to put the blame on me. I wasn't in the team in 2007 or 2003. Somebody should ask them why the team made early exits then. They should give solutions for Pakistan and should think before speaking on TV,” Misbah said.

Misbah, who has played 162 ODIs and 53 Tests, added, “These people are neither supporting Pakistan nor the team. It's a big loss. There should be some criteria to let someone sit on TV.”