Babar, Rizwan among four Pakistan stars to climb in latest ICC rankings

LONDON: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released its latest player rankings, with four Pakistani cricketers making gains in the updated standings.

In-form Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and top level spinner Abrar Ahmed have all improved their positions in the new ICC rankings.

In the Test batting rankings, Joe Root retained the No1 spot, while Rachin Ravindra climbed two places to ninth.

However, the updated ranking also showed no Pakistani batter currently featuring in the top 10 of the Test batting rankings.

Rizwan, whose efforts finally brought him back to the ranking, has moved up one place to 20th, while Babar also gained one position to reach 21st.

The issued ranking of the governing body also saw batter Tom Blundell of the New Zealand team, jumping eight places to 40th in the rankings.

In the Test bowling rankings, Jasprit Bumrah retained the No1 position, while Pat Cummins moved up one place to third.

Pakistan spinner Noman Ali held on to seventh place in the Test bowling rankings.