Pakistan Test captain, Misbah Ul Haq received the ICC test mace, which is conferred by International Cricket Council in the ceremony managed in Lahore. This ICC test mace is awarded to the best side of the world in the longest format of cricket. He shared his feelings on this great occasion that this is the great achievement for him and for his team and for his country. He showed his happiness over this great achievement as they are finally number one.
Pakistan got his accolade after rising to the number one position in the longest format of cricket as it drew the test matches series against England by 2-2 recently. Pakistan gained 111 points in the test ranking and it reached to the top position and India is on the second position with one point less than Pakistan. Australia and England are on the third position as both the teams have 108 points.
Misbah said that it was very satisfying moment for him and his team mates that they have gained the top rank despite that they played all their matches in the international venues even that they home series are also played at the foreign venues of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. He further added that almost all of the teams get the advantage of the home ground and home crowd to win the test matches and get the points after winning the matches.
Pakistan played the last test match against Sri Lanka in Lahore when they were attacked by the militants in 2009 and in this sad incident, seven police officials and seven players were also injured in it. Misbah said that he decided to receive the ICC mace at Lahore Gaddafi Stadium and there is no other better place, where you can play the home test series about seven years ago. It is wonderful achievement for him and his players, who have been playing in the Pakistani cricket team for last many years.
He showed his hope that the day will come when the international cricket will resume in Pakistan and they will start playing their international cricket on the home soil. Then the Pakistani players will have the chance to play in front of their own people and they will get more enjoyment while playing the test and ODI matches.
He said that it has always been a dream to receive the ICC trophy as captain and he obtained this honor in the longest format of cricket and he was feeling proud over it. It is great reward for him for the efforts and handwork of each and every individual, who has been part of the Pakistani squad.
David Richardson is the ICC Chief and he presented this mace to Misbah in the ceremony, which was conducted in Lahore and he also congratulated him and said that ICC Test Championship mace is the sign of excellence and recognition of the outstanding performance of his team in this format of game. Pakistan is the most deserving country to receive this ICC test mace as they have shown the impressive performance to reach to the international cricket despite of not playing the test series in front of the home crowd since 2009 and they did not show their performance in presence of their Pakistani fans.
The international mace of ICC was valued at £30,000 in 2001 and this mace is passed from one team to the other after confirming the change of leadership in ICC test team ranking.
Pakistan's @captainmisbahpk explains just how great it is to have the ICC Test Championship Mace for the first time in Pakistan's history! pic.twitter.com/LHqlQEpCRH
— ICC (@ICC) September 21, 2016