A proud Misbah-ul-Haq views Pakistan's rise to the top of the ICC Test rankings for the first time as 'not a destination but part of a journey'.
Pakistan replaced fierce rival India as the top-ranked side in the world in the longest format when Virat Kohli's side > drew its fourth and final Test against West Indies in Port of Spain on Monday, with four of the five days abandoned due to a wet outfield.
A 2-2 draw in England enabled Pakistan to leapfrog India, which won 2-0 in the Caribbean but still dropped to second in the rankings.
Pakistan has achieved the feat despite not having played a Test in its homeland since 2009 due to concerns over security and captain Misbah, 42, feels there is more to come.
'No greater feeling'
"There is no greater feeling than to achieve the number one ranking in the most traditional and purest format of the sport. This is what cricketers play for and want to achieve in their careers," said the veteran batsman.
"No. 1 ranking is a reward for something we had planned as a group a few years ago and have worked extremely hard to achieve it. To top the Test table, which boasts some of the best sides and players, is something to be very proud of.
"I want to compliment everyone who has been involved in the process, including all the players, the support personnel, the management, as well as our loyal fans and followers who remained committed to us and continued to back and support the side through the good and not-so-good days.
"For us, the number one 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. If we can achieve these on a consistent basis, then I am sure there will be more laurels like this down the line."
Australia sits third in the rankings following its 3-0 defeat in Sri Lanka, level on points with England.
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