The 42 years old, Pakistan Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haqon Thursday announced his retirement from the international Test cricket. Speculation regarding Misbah’s retirement had been sparked by Pakistan’s disastrous tours of Australia and New Zealand.

Misbah has captained the team 53 times and registered 24 wins. This is the best record by a Pakistan captain ever and he will be aiming to help Pakistan secure their first-ever win against the West Indies in the Caribbean.

The first of the three-Test series begins in Jamaica April 21, followed by a Test in Barbados on April 30. The series ends with the third and final Test in Dominica starting on May 10.

Misbah-ul-Haq said at a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, "It was a personal decision to retire and that Pakistan Cricket Board should not bear responsibility for it. Iwill continue to play cricket at domestic level and will continue his cricket activities for a while."

The last series the veteran batsman will play is scheduled for April against the West Indies.

In January, it was announced that senior batsman Azhar Ali would be appointed Test captain after Misbah’s retirement as part of “radical changes” required in the national team. Misbah also said that it’s time to support newly-appointed captain Sarfraz Ahmed, and also supported the idea of one captain for all formats.

Sarfraz Ahmed, who is the captain of the Twenty20 and ODI side, is widely tipped to take over as captain in all three formats. Misbah said the team must support him. “We should not put pressure on Sarfraz. I also believe that there should be only one captain,” the Pakistan Test skipper said.