Pakistan displaces India, grabs number 1 Test ranking
Lahore - 22 August 2016: Following the historical tour of England, Pakistan Cricket Team is now ranked number 1 in the latest ICC Test rankings. This is the first time that Pakistan has been ranked number 1 since the inception of the ranking system in 2003.
Coming from behind to level the four match series against England, Pakistan gained valuable ranking points. In the latest updated rankings, issued at the end of India's tour of West Indies, Pakistan tops the chart with 111 points. India is second with 110 points while Australia sits at the third position with 108 points.
Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board, Shaharyar Khan congratulated the team in his message. “The ascension to the top of the ICC Test rankings culminates an incredible journey for Pakistan Cricket. This is a historic moment in our rich Test cricket history and the credit for this great achievement goes not only to this team but to all the players, coaches and support staff members who have represented Pakistan in recent years. Misbah-ul-Haq deserves special credit for his leadership through these six crucial years," said Shaharyar Khan.
Chairman Executive Committee Najam Sethi also shared his thoughts on Pakistan Cricket Team's achievement. "Our team has proven so many critics wrong and they have reaffirmed my belief that, with the right planning and preparation, our team can become world beaters across all formats. We must now work towards consolidating this ranking," said Sethi.
Misbah-ul-Haq, who now has 22 wins as Test captain in 46 matches, believes that Pakistan attained this ranking as a result of team work and self-belief. "This is a great day for the whole nation. Playing away from home, we are always thinking about our supporters back home and we all know what this game means to them. This ranking is a gift to our fans who have supported us throughout," added Misbah.
Pakistan's next Test assignments include a series against West Indies in the UAE, and away tours of New Zealand and Australia.
