1st Jan King Misbah Post

It's 2015 - nothing like the buzz of a World Cup year, particularly when it happens in the first quarter of the year, unless England host, like in 2019. 

Happy New Year to all, 1st January, on this day last year Captain scored a Test Century vs Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi. 

Many lines last 4 years 'he won't play 2015' 

'need captain that can lead in 2015' 

'he wont last till 2015' 

made it despite age+media lobbying

That in itself is a phenomenal achievement for Misbah. A huge victory against his doubters. Merits a World Cup in itself.

Misbah's journey 2011-2015 very similar to Imran's in 87-92. Doubts of whether he could last with age, but got there in the end to Aus/NZ

Distinctly remember convo with some1 late 2011 where I said Misbah can genuinely play 2015WC.They said silly thinking will retire in3 months

Only fitting that Pakistan's 3rd most capped/most wins international leader gets to have a crack at a World Cup. Only IK+WA ahead of him.

Unfortunately, I won't be posting on this page during the mega event. Academic commitments take priority. I risk getting too overly caught up with a Misbah ul Haq led Pakistan in a World Cup spectacle. It's a battle of self restraint and curbing your instincts, just like Misbah does so well when he bats, given he can play assertively.

But I have supported, backed, rated, appreciated Misbah during 2011-2014 time period. And I am pleased about that. This is not a time for glory hunting or showing off our support. We know we have backed him in the long build up period to the World Cup. Now we can watch it in peace in the knowledge that we have backed Misbah in the many months and years before cricket's ultimate prize. We have covered virtually every aspect about him in a positive and factual way.

Not that I think it will happen because of the conditions, preparation, experience in those conditions and a tough group to contend with, but if they somehow manage to go the distance on March 29th at the MCG, I will post a status. My 3 favourites for the World Cup are England, New Zealand and India, but South Africa, Sri Lanka and Australia cannot be ruled out.

But the fact that he has made it despite all the obstacles that have come his way, is worthy of recognition. I expect them to beat the likes of Ireland, UAE, Zimbabwe. If they can somehow beat one of India, South Africa or West Indies without being completely thrashed by either and a play a good quarter final match even if they finish second best in the quarter final tie, I would be satisfied. Keeping realistic expectations given the team quality at his disposal. If they performed so atrociously at the Champions Trophy i.e. the dress rehearsal - the mock exam for the World Cup and they lost 5-0 last time they played a series in Australia, you can't expect fortunes to suddenly change when then pressure is at its peak.

But cricket is a game for individuals too and in Misbah we have hope.