Ramiz Raja criticizes PCB over Shan Masood’s removal as Test captain

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has criticized the decision to remove Shan Masood as Pakistan’s Test captain saying he was unfairly blamed for the team’s poor results despite leading an average squad.

Babar Azam has been appointed Pakistan’s Test captain for the upcoming tours of West Indies and England ending Shan Masood’s tenure after Pakistan lost 12 of their last 16 Tests including a home whitewash against Bangladesh.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ramiz Raja said Shan Masood had been made a “scapegoat” arguing that he was not given a team capable of consistently producing better results.

He added that if he were in Shan Masood’s position, he would have submitted a written complaint over the decision.

Ramiz said it is unfair to expect different outcomes when a captain is repeatedly given an average squad, only to shoulder all the blame for defeats.

He also warned that Babar Azam could face the same situation as he has largely inherited the same core group of players.

Pakistan will begin a two-Test series against the West Indies on July 25, before touring England for a three-Test series where Babar Azam will lead the Test side for the third time.