There is a long way to go for the team, and the Champions Trophy is just the first step, Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim said upon his arrival in Karachi on Thursday.

Wasim was part of the Pakistan cricket team that won the Champions Trophy final against India last week. A regular member of the squad, Wasim impressed with his economical bowling in crucial games against South Africa and England.

“This is our first step towards victory and to the glory we once had. The way the boys played at the tournament and outclassed all the top four teams of the world was a result of our hard work and dedication for the team,” Wasim said.

“We have just reached the first step there is a long way to go, we want to be the top team in the world and win the T20 World Cup under the captaincy of Sarfraz Ahmed,” he said. “The way he led the team is what the players need,” Wasim said, adding that “everyone was playing with their full strength.”

Talking about the criticism that the team gets on its defeat, Imad said the media gives the side a tough rolling when they lose matches, but certain people continue supporting the team through thick and thin, which gives them strength.

“There should be a balance in criticising the team. Winning and losing is part of the game and that is how cricket is. Cricket is not war, it’s a game and every team plays to win the match and so did we,” he added.