Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, former Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Akram discusses Misbah ul-Haq and his impact since becoming captain of the national team.

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, former Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Akram discusses Misbah ul-Haq and his impact since becoming captain of the national team.

Although he wasn’t selected in the ICC shortlists, Misbah ul-Haq’s nomination for Cricketer of the Year and Test Player of the Year at the LG ICC Awards 2011 is a proud moment, not just for the man himself but for all Pakistanis. After all the troubles Pakistan have faced in recent times, his calm personality was just what Pakistan needed and as a result he finds himself leader of Pakistan in all three formats of the game.

He deserves the nomination, as he’s scored runs under pressure in addition to being charged with holding the side together amidst all the difficulties. He has averaged over 90 during the period in which the ICC considered for the award, and although not shortlisted, his methods have brought dignity and professionalism to Pakistani cricket that goes beyond purely stats and runs scored.

I played first class cricket alongside Misbah and he has always been a good player. It was unfortunate his peak period coincided with one of Pakistan’s strongest middle orders, which included his namesake Inzamam and Mohammad Yousuf. In a different era he would have had a much longer test career, but credit to him – he has quietly and professionally waited to get his chance and he’s proven to be good enough to cut it at international level.

Back then he was known as a hardworking player and it’s this commitment to fitness and self-improvement that has helped him to rise to the top position in the Pakistan team, despite his age. Even now there are few fitter players than Misbah in the Pakistan ranks.

He was also known as having a cool-headed approach that has helped him to the position in which he finds himself today, as seen from his ability to bat in pressure situations.

The younger players could learn a lot from the dignified way he has managed his career and in the absence of other more experienced players, his contribution will be vital in helping the Pakistan team to gel.

His calm personality and cool-headed approach can only have a positive impact on the youngsters that are being introduced into the team in all formats of the game. It’s not easy to manage your own batting whilst also supporting a group of younger players and it’s a testament to his broad-minded approach that he has flourished under such pressure. To see players like Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq improving game by game is no accident.

His intelligence is obvious, both on the cricket field and off it, and at a pivotal time for Pakistani cricket, such attributes become more important than ever before.