Former Pakistan captain and member of Pakistan Cricket Board Cricket Committee Misbahul Haq is satisfied with the squad selected for the first two Test matches of the series against New Zealand.

While talking to Express Tribune in an exclusive interview, Misbah was glad to see that domestic performances were taken into account during team selection.

 “We have a good pool of players for all formats and the selection of players all depends on the need. The need that the captain thinks is best for his matches against their respective opponents,” said Misbah. “Also it is good to see that they have considered the domestic performances of the players.”

He added: “Sarfraz has tested his players in the series against Australia and also have seen players playing in the T20I and ODI format against New Zealand so the selected squad is best according to that.”

Sharing his thoughts on Azhar Ali — who recently retired from ODI cricket — he said: “A player knows when is the best time for him to retire and also knows on what format he has to focus. Although it is a bit early for players like Azhar who are not that old, are fit and has good figures in ODI cricket. He should have played for some more time, but still it was his decision and we all should respect that.”

Speaking about Azhar’s need in the upcoming World Cup he said that every team needs players like him but as he have decided not to play just before the World Cup and so he must have something in his mind.

“As a captain if you feel the need of players like Azhar, than the player can be called up in the team, but as of now I see many young players performing in the team, so it all up to the captain and coach to either call him up or not,” he said.

The first Test between Pakistan and New Zealand is scheduled to be played from November 16-20 in Abu Dhabi.