Pakistan rise completes journey from isolation to triumph

KARACHI — Cricket-obsessed Pakistanis were Tuesday celebrating their national team’s “incredible journey” to the top of the Test rankings after a turbulent seven years in which it was forced to play home matches on neutral venues. Pakistan supplanted India to become the world’s No. 1 Test side Monday, after India’s final Test against the West Indies ended in a rain-hit draw at Port of Spain. It capped a remarkable rise under captain Misbahul Haq’s leadership for a team that was nearly thrown out of the international arena over a spot-fixing scandal on its tour of England in 2010. Pakistan has also been forced to play its home matches in the United Arab Emirates since an armed attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009, a significant disadvantage. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan branded the rise “historic.” “The ascension to the top of the ICC Test rankings culminates an incredible journey for Pakistan cricket,” he said. “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.” In the last two years, Pakistan has beaten Australia and England at “home”, drawn with New Zealand, and earned impressive away series wins in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh before the 2-2 draw against the English gave the world notice of its class. “For us, the number one ranking is not a destination but part of a journey,” Misbah added. “Our long-term objective and strategy is to remain competitive, continue to challenge the top sides with good cricket and once again become the most followed side like the Pakistan teams of yesteryear.” New coach Mickey Arthur stressed that the work was just beginning. “It’s a fantastic achievement and a lot of people deserve the credit for that, but the top of them all will be the players who have worked hard and been outstanding,” said Arthur, who coached Pakistan to a 2-2 draw in the four-Test series against England. “I am just the lucky coach who has been with the team now but others have done wonderfully well,” he added, singling out his predecessor Waqar Younis. “People may say that its easier to get there than to remain there so we need to keep that momentum, and improve in one-dayers.” Under Waqar, Pakistan plummeted to No. 9 in One-Day International rankings — a slump which it needs to address in the five-match series against England starting Wednesday. Younis, who coached Pakistan in two stints from 2010-11 and 2014-16, was also delighted said it was a “proud moment.” “The hard work has paid off ... We as a nation are all proud of this achievement.” Misbah, who has led the side in 46 Tests since the spot-fixing scandal while keeping the off-field image clean, echoed the comments. “It’s the greatest moment of my career,” he told AFP, thanking “everyone involved in the game.” Fans on the street are also savoring the occasion. “We cannot bring international cricket (to the country) but we have brought the No. 1 rankings,” said Abdul Qayyum. “This has proved that we deserve cricket on our home grounds.” The ICC will present a special trophy to Pakistan in honor of the achievement next month. If Pakistan remains No. 1 until the April 1, 2017 cut-off date, it will also receive a much-needed $1 million prize money.