ICC presents the Test mace to Misbah-ul-Haq

Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq was presented with the Test mace by International Cricket Council (ICC) as they achieve the Test status for the first time since the rankings were introduced in 2003. Misbah-ul-Haq received it from the ICC Chief Executive David Richardson on Wednesday morning at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Pakistan jumped to the top spot in the ICC Test rankings on the back of squaring the 4-match Test series 2-2 against England in England. “This mace is a reward for the efforts and hard work of each and every individual who has been part of this group,” said the skipper, after receiving the mace.

“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. 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,” said Misbah.

Misbah is the ninth international captain to achieve this honour and he said that it is a dream come true moment to lift an ICC trophy as captain. “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.”

Richardson congratulated Misbah on receiving the mace and said that the mace is a symbol of excellence and a recognition for the outstanding performance of the team. “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.”

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“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,” he concluded.

Misbah also said that his side will have to produce strong performances to finish as the number-one ranked Test side at the 1 April cut-off date, “The next target we have set for ourselves is to finish as the number-one ranked Test side at the 1 April 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 concluded.