Reuters
Lahore, Sept 21: Pakistan captain Misbah ul-Haq is hoping that international cricket will soon return to the country as he celebrated the team’s climb to the top of the Test rankings by being awarded the ceremonial mace to mark the achievement here Wednesday.
It was a poignant occasion for the 42-year-old Misbah as he accepted the silver and gold-plated trophy at the Gaddafi Stadium here, a venue where Pakistan played their last Test on home soil. International cricket has been suspended in Pakistan since the attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009 by terrorists.
“There can’t be a better location to receive the ICC Test Championship mace than this ground,” Misbah said after receiving the trophy from ICC chief executive David Richardson.
“It is ironic for both the players as well as the fans that the journey to the number one position has been (made) outside Pakistan. The players have missed 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,” added Misbah.
Pakistan then elevated to No.1 in the rankings without bowling a ball after table-topping India were denied the 3-0 series win they needed to retain top spot against West Indies last month when the final Test ended in a damp draw.
“The next target we have set for ourselves is to finish as the No.1 ranked Test side at the April 1 cut-off date,” said Misbah, referring to the prize money on offer to the ranking leaders on that day.
