The Pakistani side have not played a home match in six years due to security concerns, instead hosting games in all formats of the sport in Abu Dhabi.

They are only the fifth team to top the ICC Test rankings, following Australia, England, India and South Africa.

Their place at the summit of the standings in what many believe to be the pinnacle of cricket was confirmed when India's Test with the West Indies in Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago was washed out today.

Only 22 overs of play were possible, which came on the first morning, with umpires calling proceedings to a halt due to poor outfield conditions.

India won the three-match series 2-0 but are one point adrift of Pakistan's points total of 111 points as a result of the drawn Test against the Caribbean side.

Australia are a further two points adrift in third place.

India came into the series with the West Indies on 112 points, 44 ahead of their eighth-ranked opponents.

Because the system is weighted to reflect the difference, however, India’s failure to win by a better margin has resulted in it dropping two points and the West Indies earning two.

"There is no greater feeling than to achieve the number-one ranking in the most traditional and purest format of the sport," Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq said. 

"This is what cricketers play for and want to achieve in their careers.

"Number-one ranking is a reward for something we had planned as a group a few years ago and have worked extremely hard to achieve it. 

"To top the Test table, which boasts some of the best sides and players, is something to be very proud of."

Pakistan's status as the top-ranked Test team caps off a remarkable recovery as they have been as low as seventh three times in the past 13 years.

It comes after they drew a thrilling away series against England, where they secured victory in the final Test to ensure it finished at two wins apiece.