The latest update from the ICC Men’s Test rankings shows major changes in team positions. Pakistan has moved up to sixth place in the updated standings.
The ranking update was released by the ICC as part of its annual review. It reflects performance adjustments based on recent match cycles and removed older results.
Australia remains at the top of the ICC Test rankings with 131 points. South Africa follows in second place with 119 points after strong recent performances.
India has now moved into third position with 104 points. England has dropped to fourth place with 102 points after losing ranking weightage from older matches.
New Zealand holds fifth place in the updated ICC rankings with 101 points. Pakistan is now in sixth position with 89 points after gaining ground in the standings.
Sri Lanka sits just behind Pakistan in seventh place with 86 points. West Indies, Bangladesh, and Ireland complete the top ten positions.
The ICC ranking shift is linked to the removal of matches played before April 2023. This has affected several teams, especially England, which lost points from past series wins.
England’s decline includes the removal of home series victories against New Zealand and South Africa. A 3-0 away series win in Pakistan also no longer carries full weight in the calculation.
Pakistan’s rise in the ICC rankings is partly due to these adjustments. England’s series win over Pakistan was also excluded from the full ranking period.
Pakistan also benefitted from reduced impact of its 2-0 Test series loss to Bangladesh in 2024. These changes contributed to their improved ranking position.
According to the ICC, the updated standings reflect a more balanced evaluation of recent performances. The system aims to keep rankings fair and current.
Looking ahead, Pakistan will continue its Test campaign under the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. The team is led by Shan Masood.
Pakistan is scheduled to tour Bangladesh for a two-match Test series. The first match will be played in Dhaka from May 8 to May 12.
The second Test will take place in Sylhet from May 16 to May 20. Pakistan is also set to face England, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies later in the year.
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The ICC rankings are expected to continue shifting as teams compete in upcoming Test series worldwide.
