Misbah-ul-Haq Pakistan top of Test rankings

Omnisports

September 21, 2016 9:01 AM

Pakistan have not played on home soil since 2009, but captain Misbah-ul-Haq is confident that will change in the near future.

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Misbah-ul-Haq said he is confident Pakistan will be able to showcase their talents on home soil before long when he celebrated his side's rise to the top of the Test rankings in an official ceremony in Lahore.

Pakistan climbed to the summit of the Test rankings for the first time last month after securing a 2-2 draw on the tour of England.

That feat was achieve despite the fact that they have not played in Pakistan for seven years due to security concerns, with 'home' matches having been played in the United Arab Emirates since then.

Misbah, 42, was presented with the ceremonial mace at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore to mark his team's standing as the best side in the world in the longest format and the Test captain hopes he will be playing on the ground for his country in the near future.

"There can't be a better location to receive the ICC Test Championship mace than this ground," Misbah said.

"It is ironic for both the players as well as the fans that the journey to the number one position has been [completed] 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."

Veteran Misbah also spoke of his determination to ensure it is not a fleeting stay at the top of the pile for Pakistan.

"The next target we have set for ourselves is to finish as the number one ranked test side at the April 1 cut-off date," he added.

"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."

Omnisports