Ramiz Raja, former Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), criticized the abrupt decision to remove fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi from the captaincy, stating that it was unjust to make such a move within a single day.
Sharing his perspective, Raja highlighted his own experience, stating, “What happened to Shaheen Shah Afridi also happened to me. It would have been more appropriate to consult with Shaheen Shah Afridi before making a decision regarding the captaincy.”
Raja emphasized that being removed from the captaincy abruptly can be demoralizing for a player and may affect their focus on cricket.
In support of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Raja described him as a game-changer on the field.
Commenting on the Pakistan squad, Raja emphasized the importance of stability, especially with the ICC World T20 Cup approaching. He expressed his desire to see Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan as the opening pair.
Acknowledging Azam’s leadership skills, Raja praised Babar Azam’s ability to unite the team and deemed him a smart leader.
Raja suggested playing at least two matches in the United States ahead of the World Cup to acclimatize to different conditions.
Regarding the composition of the team for the World Cup, Raja advocated for the inclusion of three fast bowlers.
Responding to queries about Mohammad Amir, Raja advised players to focus on their game rather than making controversial statements.
