ICC presents Test Championship mace to Pakistan

Lahore, Sep 21 (IANS) The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday presented the Test Championship mace to Pakitsan for being the top-ranked team in the traditional format of the game.

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq received the prestigious mace for inspiring the team to the top of the Test rankings for the first time since the current system was introduced in 2003.

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson presented the mace to Misbah at the Gaddafi Stadium here 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, according to an ICC statement.

"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), M.S. Dhoni (India), Andrew Strauss (England), Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla (both South Africa).

Richardson congratulated the Pakistan cricket team, saying: "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."

"It is all the more impressive that it has reached the number-one Test ranking despite not being able to play a series in front of its home crowd since March 2009."

"On behalf of the ICC, I want to congratulate the Pakistan cricket team and Misbah-ul-Haq in particular for the way he has led his side. I hope that the team continues to go from strength to strength. A strong Pakistan side is good for international cricket."

--IANS

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