I have no plans to retire after World Cup, says Inzi
KARACHI: One of the chief Piscean traits is that they avoid feeling alone and instead feel connected to others and the world at large. For Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, a Piscean, it is all about staying connected to the national cricket team and if it is left to him he would like to “continue playing for the rest of his life”.
Inzamam is 36 years and 253 days old, has played 113 Tests and 367 One-day Internationals (ODIs) and after spending 15 years on the world scene some critics believe he should say goodbye to international cricket, at least after next year’s World Cup.
They say he has achieved everything — 8498 Test runs with 25 tons, a mammoth ODI tally of 11,549 runs that includes 10 centuries and 83 fifties — and is now old enough to make way for younger blood.
But Inzamam, who returns to lead the Pakistan team in the home series against the West Indies in Lahore today after serving a four-match ODI ban, says his reported retirement plans is some people’s wishful thinking. “Contrary to what some people might like to think, I am not thinking about retiring,” Inzamam said on the eve of the opening Test against the West Indies led by one of the oldest surviving Tests players — Brian Lara.
“I am just focused on remaining fit and in good form,” said Inzamam. “I continue to enjoy cricket and feel like playing for the rest of my life.”
It has been a general impression in Pakistan cricket circles that the hulk from Multan would retire after the 2007 World Cup to be played in March-April in the West Indies.
Since Pakistan are not scheduled to play at home in the period between the current series against the West Indies and the World Cup, there were suggestions that it would be the last time Inzamam would be playing international cricket on home soil.
But Inzamam rubbishes such speculations. “When I played against India in Pakistan earlier this year, people asked me ‘is it your last series at home?’ Now again that same question is being asked, I don’t know why. I intend to keep playing till I am fit and performing for my team.”
Inzamam, one of the oldest Test cricketers alongside Australian Shane Warne and Lara, has been dogged by a troubling back in recent years. He avoids hard training and is pretty docile on the field, quite a minus point especially in crunch one-day games.
But in spite of all his problems, Inzamam remains one of the team’s more prolific and reliable batsmen. He provides stability to a batting line that has a habit of crumbling under pressure. This is the biggest reason why Pakistan must have heaved a sigh of relief at the return of their regular captain after enduring a period of nasty turmoil.
There has been some uncertainty about the aging batsman leading Pakistan in the all-important contest but after the team’s shocking exit from the ICC Champions Trophy under Younis Khan, Inzamam’s captaincy may get a lifeline.
If he does lead Pakistan’s campaign in the World Cup and manages to carry on even beyond the spectacle, Inzamam would only prove himself a true Piscean. Because to live their dreams and turn fantasies into realities is another prominent trait of the people born under this zodiac sign.
Source: http://thenews.jang.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=31373
If the dopey Inzi doesn’t retire after the World cup than we may not see any new faces in the Pakistan team. Even if he doesn’t do well in the current series, future away series or World cup than he will have excuses made up already - no Shoiab or Asif, not forgetting the fact that great captain make good use of their available resources and cricket is a team sport.
If he doesn’t retire after the World cup than I think he will be booted out at somepoint.
