It is one of the rare moments for the fans of Pakistan cricket that Pakistan cricket team eleven has achieved the remarkable feat of securing a top spot in the test rankings for the first time since the International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced the rankings system in 2003. It is no mean feat despite numerous challenges for a country that has not played at home ground for the last seven years. Pakistan has been hosting all international sides in the UAE since the Sri Lankan team came under a terrorist attack in Lahore in March 2009. Pakistan team is known for its inconsistency in performances while controversies have always surrounded some players. Ahead of the tour to England, there were speculations about the selection of players and their ability to withstand top class English side. Fingers were raised about the inclusion of Mohammad Amir in the squad while Younas Khan’s selection was also criticised. However, both players proved their critics wrong and gave their best in the game. They showed mental strength to shed all negativity that has kept them surrounded for so many years. Finally, a combination of young and senior players led by Misbah-ul-Haq enabled Pakistan to win the final Test against England at The Oval to square the series 2-2. Pakistani players gave spectacular performances in the series and earned laurels for the country. The top ranking is also a personal achievement for the 42-year-old Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who took charge of the team two months after the 2010 spot-fixing scandal in England, which resulted in a five-year ban for the then skipper Salman Butt, and seam bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir. During all these years, Misbah did not let down his team, and on a number of occasions singlehandedly saved the game. Congratulations to the Pakistan team and fellow Pakistanis. This is indeed a great achievement, and what makes it sweeter are the odds against which this has been achieved. The credit goes to the team, their hard work and better performances. At the same time, Pakistan should not be complacent after achieving this remarkable feat. Efforts should be made to overcome players’ weaknesses both in the areas of fielding and batting. As commented by Misbah, “For us, the No. 1 ranking is not a destination but part of a journey. 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 yesteryears.” This is the right spirit, and other players need to demonstrate the same passion for making distinctions in other formats of the game of cricket. *