The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) feels proud and elated on completing 50 years of Test cricket. Pakistan played its first Test against India at Feroze Shah Kotla ground in New Delhi, India, on October 16, 1952.

"Looking back, I feel motivated with what the Pakistan cricket team has done and achieved over the years. Pakistan holds a proud record and will hopefully continue its ascendancy at the international circuit," Chairman of the PCB Lt Gen Tauqir Zia said.

"Pakistan with its achievements has proved that it is rich in talent and with the infrastructure being improved, I am convinced that Pakistan cricket has a bright future. I may not be part of the cricket setup when the investments start producing results, but I will still be the most satisfied man because my ultimate aim is to establish a permanent and systematic cricket structure in Pakistan which should be reflected in the consistent performances of our national team," the PCB Chairman added.

Director of the PCB, Chishty Mujahid, said: "Pakistan didn't inherit many great cricketers from the undivided India. But it has now come a long long way in producing record makers and world beaters. Pakistan, like other teams, has experienced its ups and downs but we are confident that it is just a bad patch and the team would soon start producing positive results."

Chishty regretted that Pakistan had to play its golden jubilee series on a neutral territory. "It's a pity that because of non-cricketing issues, the series had to be played on off-shore venues. That disturbed our plans to mark our 50 years of Test cricket."

Pakistan, led by a commanding Abdul Hafeez Kardar, although lost the first Test to Lala Amarnath-led India, they won their only second Test in Lucknow in the same series.

"Pakistan has a special place in world cricket. Our first team holds the unique distinction of beating every Test playing country in our first series," said legendary batsman Hanif Mohammad, adding: "We have produced world class players and achieved the best results in Test cricket."

Pakistan surprised England with a 1-1 series result by achieving a memorable Fazal Mahmood-inspired win at The Oval in 1954.

Under Imran Khan Pakistan achieved their glorious moment by winning the World Cup in Australia in 1992.

"Imran and I featured in the most golden phase of Pakistan cricket and winning the 1992 World Cup was the highest point in Pakistan cricket," said Miandad.

Pakistan's current captain Waqar Younis said despite recent defeats the future looks bright. "With all the development work and investments in youth, the future looks bright," said Waqar, adding: "Although it hurts that I was not part of the team that won the 1992 World Cup, but I am hoping to end my career on a high note by helping the team regain the title next year."

Pakistan manager Brig (retd) Khawaja Mohammad Nasir recalled that in the early days, there were no stadia but only grounds. "Now we have excellent facilities and stadia of international standard. The district and divisional associations have grounds of their own. Not only the grounds, the associations and the districts take active part in PCB organized events and have produced good cricketers."

Samiul Hasan
G.M Media
October 16, 2002

© PCB