LAHORE: Misbah-ul-Haq answered his critics on Tuesday, saying that his innings had come to an end. Speaking out against people who had criticised his decisions as captain during the World Cup, Misbah said it seemed like those who could not get any employment would become cricket experts.

Misbah emphasised he had not intentions to return to ODI cricket calling upon Sikander Bakht who had been critical of him to distribute sweets.

Misbah said the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) policy on selection was clear and it was the selection committee which had this authority. “The captain gives his opinion but the final decision rests with the committee. I do not have the right to disagree with it.”

Expressing his disappointment with the batting, Misbah added that the batting unit needed to mature and capitalize on their innings. “Not being able to get big scores was a problem throughout the tournament.”

When asked about Sarfraz Ahmed, Misbah replied he had been struggling in Pakistan’s matches prior to the World Cup. “We gave a chance to a proper opener and after trying all options brought in Sarfraz. There was no issue with Sarfraz, myself and Waqar had promoted Sarfraz in UAE as an opener.”

Misbah was critical of Pakistan’s performance with the bat and on the field. “Our performance in these fields is not at par with international standards. Improvement will come when we improve our basic structures.”

He praised the team’s bowling ability saying that bowlers created opportunities for the team throughout the tournament.

“I am satisfied with my career and gave it my full effort. In the future I will pray for the Pakistan team,” Misbah said.

The former ODI captain said the media should be responsible and have a process of selection for analysts. “Our former players used the sort of language which showed they were not taught etiquette.”

“The problems in the cricket team are not because of one person. I was not responsible for the attack on the Sri Lankan team. I did not end international cricket in Pakistan. The other drawbacks are not my fault. We have to solve them together. What happened in the 2003 and 2007 World Cups, I was not part of those teams?”

He added that there needs to be criteria for employing experts by media houses in Pakistan.

Misbah said Shahid Afridi was the only genuine all-rounder in the squad and there was no one to replace him. “Shahid Afridi was in good form and there was no one to replace him as the number seven in batting.”

The former ODI captain thanked the PCB for supporting him despite all the criticism. “The cricket board supported me throughout my tenure as captain.”

He further said that everyone in the team gave their full effort. “I have no suspicions about anyone’s effort.”

Misbah added that he intended to continue with his test career. According to Misbah there was a need to fix systems for cricket to improve in Pakistan.

‘I don’t distribute sweets on Pakistan defeats’

Answering Misbah-ul-Haq’s criticism directed towards him, former Pakistani test player Bakht said that he does not distribute sweets on the team’s defeats.

He said that he was an analyst and his criticism during the ongoing World Cup was not hurled at any individual rather it was to point out shortcomings and bring improvement in the performance of Pakistani players.