DUBLIN: Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed said it is a privilege for him and his side to be part of a historic debut Test match for Ireland which kicks off in Dublin from Friday.
“All of us are really looking forward to it. Ireland, who have a great tradition of cricket, are playing at home and I wish them all the best at this big moment,” he was quoted as saying in an ICC press release.
“Ireland players feature prominently in the ICC ODI and T20 player rankings, and I am confident that in due course they will also make their mark in the Test rankings,” added Sarfraz.
Pakistan will gain one point if they win and reach 87 points while a draw will see them slip to 84 and a loss to 81 points.
The table is led by India at 125 points with South Africa placed second at 112. Australia (106) and New Zealand (102) are placed third and fourth.
The match will be Ireland’s first step towards being ranked in the ICC Test team rankings while providing their players with the opportunity to make an entry into the individual rankings with strong performances against the seventh-ranked side.
Ireland captain William Porterfield said it is a massive occasion for everyone involved in Irish cricket and everyone has been looking forward to this big occasion.
