I want an honourable exit: Inzy

Karachi: Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq wants to retire in a honourable manner after playing Test cricket for some more time.

"I am not going to play for long but I do want to play a few more Tests as I think I can still contribute to Pakistan cricket," Inzamam said at a function where he was feted for his contribution to the game.

The Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to award central contracts to national players and sources have indicated that Inzamam may not get one. But the burly middle-order batsman thinks he could still make a contribution despite his age.

"I don't understand why they (selectors) keep on saying things about my form and fitness. Obviously if I am not fit or not in form I myself will not make myself available for selection," Inzamam said.

"But the selectors should not make such a big issue of these things. I want to play Test matches but honourably and I also want to finally retire in a honourable manner," Inzamam said.

Chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed, speaking at the same function, stressed that every player would have to prove his form and fitness to be considered for selection.

He also lauded Inzamam's contribution to Pakistan cricket and said it was difficult to produce a top class batsman like him.

Former PCB chairman Tauqir Zia reminded Inzamam that every player had to go someday.

"What I would advise Inzamam is to accept whatever the Board and selectors decide for him. What they decide, will be in the national interest and their decision must be accepted sportingly by him," Tauqir said.

Inzamam, who played 119 Tests and 378 ODIs for Pakistan, ruled out reversing his retirement from One-Day Internationals and said once a player retired, he should stay retired.

"It is never easy for a professional cricketer, who has represented his country for 17 years, to forget the past and adopt a new lifestyle. But I have taken my decision on One-Dayers," he said.