Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja claimed on Tuesday that the Indian cricket board had adopted a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) mentality and was attempting to impose restrictions on Pakistan globally.
Ramiz Raja claimed during a speech at an event at the Government College University Lahore that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which generates the majority of the International Cricket Council’s revenue, has control over the ICC.
The former PCB chairman claimed he stood up for the nation when India attempted to pressure Pakistan to move this year’s Asia Cup to a neutral venue despite the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) decision to award hosting rights to Pakistan.
The former cricketer continued by saying that Pakistan advanced to the T20 World Cup finals whereas India, which has a billion-dollar cricket industry, did not.
During his 1.5-year stint, the former PCB head said he concentrated on progress and consistency, adding that it is unfair to remove an existing system by destroying the constitution.
He continued by saying that such significant changes to the board and system would demoralize young players and that Pakistan cricket has entered a “dark age” following the restoration of the 2014 PCB constitution.
Raja commented on Shan Masood’s selection as vice-captain of the one-day team for the New Zealand series, saying that such a move would just put pressure on the team. He added that Shan Masood’s spot in the playing eleven was uncertain.
Speaking about the decision to bench wicketkeeper/batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed during his time, he claimed that Sarfaraz was always a part of the Test setup, but the starting lineup was always chosen by the captain and coach.
