Misbah-ul-Haq today received the prestigious ICC Test Championship mace for inspiring Pakistan to the top of the ICC Test Team Rankings for the first time since the current rankings system was introduced in 2003.
ICC Chief Executive David Richardson presented the mace to Misbah at the home of Pakistan cricket at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and Pakistan captain Misbah said it was befitting that the mace presentation was taking place there.
“There can’t be a better location to receive the ICC Test Championship mace than this ground where we last played a home Test seven years ago,” said Misbah. “It is ironic for both the players as well as the fans that the journey to the number-one position has been outside Pakistan.
“The players have missed on the crowd support, while the spectators have been unable to watch live some magnificent team and individual performances. But I am confident that things will change and international cricket will soon return to Pakistan.”
Misbah added he was delighted to hold the mace in the twilight of his career.
“It has always been a dream to lift an ICC trophy as captain. To be only the ninth international captain to achieve this honour in the traditional format of the game is something to be very proud of. This mace is a reward for the efforts and hard work of each and every individual who has been part of this group over the past few years.”
Pakistan is only the fifth side after Australia, England, India and South Africa to top the ICC Test rankings, while Misbah is the ninth captain to lift the mace after Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Steve Smith (all Australia), MS Dhoni (India), Andrew Strauss (England), Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla (both South Africa).
Mr Richardson said the upcoming weeks will continue to be as exciting and entertaining for Test cricket fans.
“The top four ranked sides are separated by just three points and they will be playing in the coming weeks. The contest for the number-one position gives great context to the upcoming series, providing fascinating entertainment for followers of the Test cricket,” he said.
Number-two ranked India will host New Zealand in a three-Test series from Thursday and if it wins the series, it will move to the top of the table even before Pakistan starts its three-Test series against the West Indies on 13 October. The two-Test series between Bangladesh and fourth-ranked England begins in Chittagong on 20 October, while South Africa will travel to third-ranked Australia where the first Test will commence in Perth on 3 November.
These fixtures are part of an exciting race to the annual cut-off date as the side that tops the ICC Test Team Rankings on 1 April will also receive a cash award of $1million, while the second placed side will collect $500,000. The third and fourth placed sides will receive $200,000 and $100,000, respectively.
