-Cricket-In form Misbah almost turned his back on game

December 8, 2007 |13:44 | Controversies By : Team X

Misbah-ul-Haq, who has ignited his Pakistan career in recent months, said he almost turned his back on the game at the age of 23 in favour of a business career.He studied for his MBA in business management and only started playing top-level cricket at 24."Before my first-class debut I was in two minds about which way to go but I chose cricket because of my love and passion for the game," the 33-year-old Misbah told Reuters."Even after two years of choosing cricket though I thought I might have chosen wrong. But in 1999 my fortunes changed, I made my first-class debut and two years later was playing against New Zealand on my test debut."Ever since I have not had any thoughts in my mind apart from playing cricket. I'm now really happy."Misbah was a fringe player for Pakistan three months ago but a successful Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa and a maiden test century against India in Calcutta this week have boosted his credentials.He scored 161 not out at Eden Gardens as Pakistan replied to India's intimidating total of 616 for six declared.Misbah's partnership of 207 with Kamran Akmal earned a draw which means Pakistan can level the series if they win the third and final test which starts here on Saturday