Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq received the ICC Test Championship mace

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq on Wednesday received the ICC Test Championship mace for leading the side 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 Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the Pakistan Test skipper 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,” he added.

“The ICC Test Championship mace is a symbol of excellence and a recognition of a side’s outstanding performance in the purest format of the game. Being part of a team that is ranked No.1 in Test cricket is a pinnacle achievement for any cricketer. Pakistan is a deserving recipient of the mace.

“I hope that the team continues to go from strength to strength. A strong Pakistan side is good for international cricket,” Richardson said.

“The next target we have set for ourselves is to finish as the number-one ranked Test side at the April 1 cut—off date. It is not going to be easy as we have series against formidable sides like the West Indies, New Zealand and Australia. But instead of getting overawed by our opponents, we need to trust in our abilities, focus on our strengths and try to be as consistent as possible,” Misbah said.