Misbah hopes to captain Pakistan in a home Test

Misbah-ul-Haq has expressed his desire to captain Pakistan in a home Test before he announces his retirement. Speaking to the official Cricket Australia website, Misbah regretted that he was not part of Pakistan's current ODI squad against Zimbabwe. He had announced his retirement from ODIs after the end of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup.

"I would love to captain Pakistan in Tests at home before I retire. I hope some team will visit Pakistan and we will play a Test series here. Even during the matches against Zimbabwe, I regretted not being part of the team. People have proved that cricket is still alive in Pakistan. The way fans have turned out to watch matches, despite searing heat and extraordinary security measures, it has strengthened the view that international cricket should be played here," he said.

He also praised the fans and said that they were the real heroes during the series. "The people of Pakistan have shown to world that they cant be kept away from cricket. We have given a very strong message to the world," he added.

International cricket returned to Pakistan after a gap of six years and the recently concluded T20I series was sold-out in Lahore. The series has generated tremendous excitement in Pakistan, with fans coming out with placards and posters that read "Thank you, Zimbabwe".

Pakistan are slated to play India in a home series but in all probability, the series could be played in the UAE. When asked about the selection process, Misbah said that the captain only had an advisory role. "They (PCB selection committee) only ask for the captain's opinion and it is up to them to select the team; the captain himself has no authority. If we want good results we need to empower the captain and the coach as well," he stated.