Despite of current defeats, the team has been rated positive.
Pakistan cricket celebrated 50 years as a Test-playing nation on Wednesday with its achievements on the field overshadowed by administrative turmoil.
October 16 1952 was the day when Abdul Hafeez Kardar led Pakistan into action in New Delhi, only for them to lose by an innings and 70 runs to Lala Amarnath’s Indian side.
Since then Pakistan has produced world-class players and won a Test in its first series against every opposing team with the exception of South Africa.
In recent years, however, the country’s cricket reputation has been dented by match-fixing controversies and there has been constant changing of officials, captains and coaches.
But leading players, past and present, view the last 50 years positively.
“Pakistan has a special place in world cricket and I am proud to be a part of its history spread over half a century,” said Hanif Mohammad, who played in the inaugural Test.
Two years after their debut, Kardar’s men surprised England with a memorable 24-run win at The Oval.
But despite more encouraging results and some brilliant individuals, the Pakistan team were regarded as under-achievers until Imran Khan became captain.
Under Imran, Pakistan won series in England and India for the first time in 1987 and were unfortunate to be denied a series triumph over West Indies the following year.
The country’s most glorious cricket moment came in 1992 when Imran lifted the World Cup in Australia.
“I think we have had a satisfying half century. Winning the World Cup was the pinnacle of Pakistan cricket,” said Imran.
**“The only unfortunate thing is that in the 50 years we have failed to form a strong base for domestic cricket. It still needs improvement.” **
With 362 wickets, 3,807 runs and 14 wins in 48 Tests, Imran is the most successful of Pakistan’s 175 Test cricketers.
Javed Miandad is the highest run-scorer with 8,832 in 124 Tests and 14 wins in 34 Tests as captain.
“Imran and I taught Pakistan how to win and we featured in the golden era of Pakistan cricket,” 
Miandad said.
Since Imran retired, there have been 11 captains and 14 coaches of the national team, and eight different leaders of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
But the biggest upheaval was caused by the match-fixing scandal which saw former captain Salim Malik and Ata-ur Rehman banned for life and six others, including current captain Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram, fined.
“Controversies have been part and parcel of every team, but it¿s unfortunate that ours were highlighted more,” said Wasim.
International events forced Pakistan to play their Golden Jubilee series against Australia in Colombo and Sharjah.
And a humiliating defeat by an innings and 198 runs in the second Test prompted Board chairman Tauqir Zia to offer his resignation, only for it to be turned down.
The short term focus is on Waqar to lift the team for the final game and longer term to secure the resumption of home Tests.
“It would have been a grand affair had the series been played played at home as scheduled,” Waqar said.
**“It’s not a healthy sign. We must play at home. I agree there were some problems for teams touring Pakistan but it will be great if we can play Test matches at home again.” **