ISLAMABAD: Captain Misbah-ul-Haq says Pakistan can "once again rule the world" by winning the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next year.
The return of the tournament Down Under was a good omen for Pakistan, as that was where it won its only World Cup in 1992, when Imran Khan's side beat England in the final.
"As the event is returning to Australia and New Zealand, the level of expectation from us will be quite high," Misbah said on Wednesday as he posed with the trophy in front of Badshahi Mosque and independence monument in Lahore.
"The team's victory in 1992 is still the most special sporting achievement in the minds of our cricketers and all cricket fans in Pakistan.
"The whole team is focused to face the most difficult challenge in world cricket, and with the determination of the players and the backing of the millions of Pakistani fans, we hope to once again rule the world."
The 40-year-old Misbah acknowledged the tournament starting in February could also be his international swansong.
Pakistan's opening match on Feb. 15 in Adelaide will be against archrival India, which it has never beaten in five previous World Cup matches. With so much history between them, Misbah said, "People will be looking at it as more than a final."
