Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq signs with Bangladesh Twenty20 team

LAHORE // Pakistan’s Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq said on Monday he had signed a contract with a Bangladesh Twenty20 side, deferring retirement plans after his side’s 2-0 win against England last week.

Misbah, 41, had hinted that last week’s Test series could be his swansong, but later said he might be persuaded to return for next year’s four-match series hosted by England.

The series will be Pakistan’s next Test assignment and, having retired from one day cricket this year and Twenty20 internationals in 2012, Misbah is set to face eight months out of national colours.

In order to keep his eye in, he said he wants to play domestic cricket and has signed a contract with the Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League.

“I will be playing in the Bangladesh league and hope that this opportunity helps me carry on,” Misbah said.

“I need to play to motivate myself for the England tour.”

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan had asked Misbah to delay his Test retirement until at least the next tour in order to give Pakistan a longer transition period.

“I have to look for ways and means to motivate myself as its tough when you play only one format of the game,” Misbah said after the team’s win in last week’s Test in Sharjah.

“If I am able to motivate myself then it will be easier,” said Misbah. “It’s a challenge to play after long gaps.”

Misbah is currently ranked 10 in the world Test batting rankings.

Since taking over as captain in 2010, Misbah has led Pakistan to 20 wins in 42 Tests – the highest number of victories for any Pakistani captain.

With last week’s victory over England, he took Pakistan to No 2 in the world rankings for the first time in almost a decade – an achievement made all the more remarkable given that the side has not played Tests at home since militants attacked a visiting Sri Lankan team in 2009.

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