Ramiz Raja Archives

Former captain questions Pakistan’s careless batting against Afghanistan

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has heaped praise on Salman Ali Agha for his match-winning innings while slamming the middle order for their reckless approach in the opening game of the T20I tri-series against Afghanistan in Sharjah.

Batting at No.4, Salman played a composed yet attacking knock of 53* off 36 balls, striking three fours and three sixes to lift Pakistan to 182-7.

Afghanistan, in reply, were bundled out for 143 courtesy of Haris Rauf’s brilliant four-wicket haul, as Pakistan sealed a 39-run win.

Speaking on his YouTube channel after the match, Raja said that at one stage the game was slipping away from Pakistan, and it was Salman’s innings that bailed them out.

“Pakistan made 182 on this pitch, but even then Afghanistan looked very much in the contest because conditions hadn’t changed much. If Salman Ali Agha had failed, Pakistan would have been in serious trouble,” he said.

Criticising the batting unit, the former PCB chairman noted that no player apart from Salman showed the required temperament.

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“After putting the opposition under pressure, giving away wickets so cheaply is baffling,” he added.

“The top order showed intent, but no one played a substantial innings. Some got out for 10, 15, 20, when you had Afghanistan on the back foot, why throw it away so easily?” he questioned.

Ramiz Raja credited Salman Ali Agha for displaying the maturity others lacked.

“In such situations, you have to bat smartly, and Salman did just that. Without his innings, Pakistan would have struggled to even cross 150, and Afghanistan would have been right in the game,” he added.

The former cricketer also pointed out that Sharjah’s surface is no longer the traditional slow, turning track that once heavily favoured Afghanistan’s spinners.

“This wasn’t the typical Sharjah pitch. Afghanistan threatened Pakistan, but Pakistan were more professional on the day. Full credit goes to Salman Ali Agha for setting the platform,” he concluded.

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Former PCB chairman criticises cricket pitches in West Indies

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has taken aim at the quality of cricket pitches in the West Indies, claiming substandard surfaces are a key factor in the region’s cricketing decline.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ramiz singled out the conditions in Trinidad, saying they fail to meet international standards and make it difficult for the home side to compete at the highest level.

“I have said before that West Indies pitches, especially in Trinidad, are substandard. This is why West Indies cricket is not progressing,” Ramiz Raja remarked.

The former PCB chairman added that most Caribbean venues suffer from similar issues and that such conditions are rarely, if ever, seen in major ICC tournaments.

He urged West Indies cricket authorities to take urgent steps to improve playing surfaces if they hope to revive the team’s past glory.

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“West Indies need significant improvement in their pitches. In ICC events, you will never find such pitches,” Ramiz Raja said.

The comments come after West Indies edged Pakistan by five wickets in a rain-hit second ODI in Tarouba.

The rain-affected match saw West Indies chase a revised target of 181 in 35 overs after Pakistan posted 171-7 in 37 overs.

Roston Chase (49* off 47) and Justin Greaves (26 off 31) put on an unbroken 73-run stand for the sixth wicket to take the hosts over the line in 33.2 overs and level the three-match series 1-1.

The decider of the three-match series is scheduled to be played later today at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba.

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Former captain lauds Sahibzada Farhan’s ‘body language’ against Bangladesh

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has praised Sahibzada Farhan after his match-winning knock in the third T20I against Bangladesh, but expressed disappointment over the national team’s overall body language.

Pakistan achieved a consolation victory in the third match after Bangladesh won the series 2-0 by claiming victories in the first two games.

Farhan, included in the line-up for the third T20I, took advantage of this opportunity by scoring 63 runs off 41 balls, with six fours and five sixes, leading Pakistan to a total of 178-7.

The Green Shirts successfully defended the score with disciplined bowling, as they bowled Bangladesh out for 104 runs in 16.4 overs.

After Pakistan’s victory, Ramiz Raja praised Farhan for delivering a remarkable innings under pressure that contributed to the team’s success.

“Sahibzada Farhan played an outstanding innings. He showed fearlessness and a positive mindset throughout,” Ramiz said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

“The reason he was able to perform this way was because he was not burdened by the fear of failure.”

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The former PCB chairman said Farhan’s confident approach should serve as an example for other players in the squad.

“Farhan stabilised the innings and proved that even after sitting out two matches, one can come in and deliver if the mindset is right. His body language was strong, and he looked assured from the start,” he said.

However, Ramiz Raja didn’t hold back from highlighting the team’s lacklustre attitude on the field, noting that apart from a few players, the team looked visibly under pressure.

“Apart from Sahibzada Farhan, Hasan Nawaz, and Mohammad Nawaz, the rest of the players looked nervous. Their body language didn’t reflect confidence or control,” he noted.

He also had a word of advice for Mohammad Haris, questioning his technique and approach at the crucial No. 3 position.

“Haris seems to be in a rush. He tries to hit every ball and appears unsettled at the crease. If he wants to succeed at No. 3, he must improve his shot selection and composure. I’ve personally told him this before,” Ramiz concluded.

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Former PCB chief heaps high praise on Hasan Nawaz

Former chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ramiz Raja has praised Quetta Gladiators batter Hasan Nawaz for his sublime century against Islamabad United in the 26th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 on Wednesday.

Quetta Gladiators secured a comprehensive 109-run victory over Islamabad United, securing the top spot on the PSL points table.

Hasan Nawaz’s fireworks powered Quetta Gladiators to a record-breaking 263/3 in 20 overs, the highest-ever total in PSL history.

Rilee Rossouw and Hasan Nawaz pioneered the Gladiators’ victory, both scoring centuries. Rossow smashed a blistering 104 while Hasan scored a swashbuckling 45-ball ton with the help of nine towering sixes and four elegant fours.

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With this century, Hasan became only the second Pakistani player after Babar to score centuries in both the PSL and T20 Internationals (T20Is) in the same calendar year.

Ramiz Raja described Hasan Nawaz’s innings as a complete package and praised his smart batting for maintaining the Gladiators’ momentum

“Hassan Nawaz’s knock was a complete package and an absolute joy to watch,” he said.

“He kept rotating the strike, ensured Rossouw maintained his rhythm, and never let his own strike rate drop. That is the hallmark of a smart batter — playing for the team while sustaining personal momentum,” he added.

Ramiz Raja credited Hasan with helping Quetta Gladiators reach a record PSL total, stating that the youngster’s game awareness helped his team set up a formidable target.

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“If Hasan hadn’t held his ground and batted sensibly, the team would not have reached that total,” Ramiz stated.

The former cricketer highlighted Hasan Nawaz’s innings, mentioning that he displayed excellent control throughout his knock.

“He timed his innings perfectly, never lost control of the game, and accelerated when it mattered the most,” he concluded.

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Ramiz Raja lauds Rizwan, Saud after Pakistan’s victory over West Indies

Former Pakistan Test cricketer and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja praised Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel for their batting performance in the first innings of the opening Test against the West Indies.

Pakistan completed their dominant 127-run victory over the West Indies in the first of a two-match Test series on Sunday.

Following Pakistan’s victory, Ramiz Raja shared his opinion in a video on his YouTube channel, highlighting the strategy to dismantle opponents with a spin.

“Pakistan pocketed this test match with authority. This square-turning pitch, much like the template set after the England series, completely exposed the West Indies’ lack of quality when it comes to handling spin,” said Ramiz.

“Their batters were not equipped to deal with the conditions or our heavy-duty spin attack.”

The former captain highlighted the unique skills each spinner—Abrar Ahmed, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan—brought to the team, which contributed to Pakistan’s victory.

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“Each bowler brought something unique to the table, adjusting seamlessly to the wear and tear of the ball,” he added.

“Abrar is relentless with his accuracy, Noman’s variations on a spinning track are world-class, and Sajid’s angles make him a constant threat.

“Together, they formed a perfect spin attack that dominated the opposition.”

He also appreciated the 141-run partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel in the first innings. The two batters joined hands when the team was struggling on 46-4 and helped the team post a fighting total of 230.

“On a challenging pitch, the way Rizwan and Shakeel handled the pressure was brilliant. They turned the tide in Pakistan’s favor when it mattered most,” Ramiz Raja stated.

“Even though Pakistan’s batting stumbled in the second innings, they had already moved so far ahead that 250 was unachievable for the West Indies.”

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Ramiz Raja defends Babar Azam amid criticism after first Australia ODI

Former Pakistan Test cricketer and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has defended star batter Babar Azam amid online criticism after the first ODI against Australia.

Pakistan lost the first of the three-match ODI series by two wickets at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) after a spirited performance with the ball.

Babar Azam, who was playing his first ODI match after stepping down as Pakistan’s white-ball captain, managed a meagre 37 runs from 44 balls with the help of four boundaries.

Pakistan’s batting line-up folded for a paltry 203-run total, which Australia successfully chased in 33.3 overs at the loss of eight wickets.

Ramiz Raja, during a recent video on his YouTube channel, heaped praise on Babar and expressed disappointment over the criticism against the star batter.

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“If you got a player like Babar Azam by mistake, you should respect him. Babar Azam played better than all Pakistani batters in the first ODI against Australia,” said Ramiz.

“I get disappointed when I see keyboard warriors trolling and abusing Babar.”

Notably, the second ODI of the series will be played on 8 November in Adelaide, while Perth will host the third ODI on 10 November. The ODI series will be followed by a three-match T20I series, scheduled to commence on November 14.

Brisbane will host the first T20I, with the next matches scheduled for November 16 and 18 in Sydney and Hobart, respectively.

Notably, wicket-keeper Josh Inglis is set to captain Australia for the first time as he will lead the side in the third ODI against Pakistan as well as the following T20I series.

Pakistan Squad for ODI Series against Australia

Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (vc) and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

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“Has to prove he is Viv Richards,” Ramiz Raja on Babar Azam

Former Pakistan Test cricketer and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja set high standards for star batter Babar Azam, stating he should prove that he has potential like Sir Vivian Richards.

Former Pakistan captain Babar is going through a rough patch. The star batter was also dropped from the last two Tests of the recently-concluded three-match series against England, pertaining to his series of dismal performances in the longest format.

Babar has scored 3,997 runs in 55 Tests at a decent average of 43.92 but failed to make a half-century in the format since 2022.

Considering his red-ball stats, Ramiz Raja noted that Babar Azam has to grind more in the longest format but lauded his numbers in white-ball cricket.

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He further advised the star batter to prove with his temperament that he is Sir Vivian Richards, citing the legend’s ability to excel in crucial matches.

“I feel Babar has to achieve a lot more in Test cricket. He plays the white-ball format really well, has an average of 50-plus in both the formats (T20I and ODI)…There is so much potential in Babar Azam,” said Raja on his YouTube channel.

“Now he has to prove to the world with his temperament that he is Vivian Richards. Bigger the contest, bigger the innings Richards used to play,” he added.

For the unversed, Babar Azam is currently on a tour to Australia for the three-match ODI and T20I series.

The star batter is on the verge of a major ODI milestone as he needs 271 runs to complete 6000 runs.

Moreover, he boasts a strong chance to dethrone South African great Hashim Amla’s record of fastest to 6000 ODI runs.

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‘It’s not great news’: Ramiz Raja on Gary Kirsten’s resignation as Pakistan head coach

Ramiz Raja, the former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has warned about the potential consequences of the sudden resignation of Gary Kirsten as white-ball head coach.

Kirsten was appointed by the cricket board in April 2024 for a two-year period. However, he stepped down from the role on 28 October after a meagre six months.

The South African took charge during Pakistan’s four-match T20I series against England in the lead-up to the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

During his tenure as the white-ball head coach, Pakistan lost the series against England and were knocked out of the T20 World Cup from the group stage.

The sources revealed that Kirsten’s resignation came in the wake of his disagreements with the cricket board over central contracts and white-ball squads for the upcoming tour of Australia and Zimbabwe.

It is worth noting that previously, head coaches and captains of the respective formats were part of the selection committee as voting members.

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However, following Pakistan’s heavy defeat in the first Test against England, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) overhauled the selection committee, removing the captain and coach from the selection process, which did not sit well with Gary Kirsten.

Ramiz Raja, while talking to the media, stated that the cricket board will find difficulty in hiring top-level international coaches in future.

“When you search for international coaches, with the kind of backlash that you will probably get from Gary Kirsten’s resignation…it’s not going to be an easy, straightforward job for Pakistan to hire international talent,” Ramiz said.

“What you need to do is to make sure that once you involve and engage somebody, you’ve got to give them clarity regarding the role. I don’t know whether that clarity was given to Gary Kirsten.

“It’s not great news [Kirsten’s departure] because Pakistan needed an experienced hand. From a distance, it doesn’t look great just before a tour.”

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Ramiz Raja calls dropping Babar Azam a ‘knee-jerk reaction’

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has raised questions over the decision to drop star batter Babar Azam from the squad for the remaining two Test matches against England.

The newly appointed national men’s selection committee on Sunday dropped Babar, along with Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sarfaraz Ahmed from the squad for the ongoing second and upcoming third Test against England.

Babar has been under tight scrutiny due to his below-par performances recently, the highlight of which was his dismal run in the two-match home Test series against Bangladesh last month.

He managed a meagre 64 runs in four innings during the Bangladesh series, consequently, crashing out of the top ten list in the ICC Test Batting Rankings.

During the first Test against England, the right-hander managed scores of 30 and 5 before losing his place for the remaining matches of the series.

However, Ramiz Raja criticised the decision of selectors, calling it a ‘knee-jerk reaction’.

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While talking to former England cricketers Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton on Sky Sports, Raja expressed his belief that Babar should have been asked if he wanted to rest.

“It should have been Babar’s call whether he wanted time out of the playing XI or not. It was a kneejerk reaction, new selectors in. The general opinion was he needed rest and he was taken out of the squad completely,” Raja stated.

It’s worth noting that Babar last crossed the 50-run mark in red-ball cricket back in December 2022 against New Zealand with a marathon 161-run knock. Since then, he has played 16 innings with a highest score of 39 against Sri Lanka in July 2023.

Despite Babar’s bad form, Ramiz Raja believes that he is still the biggest brand in Pakistan cricket and there are no other superstars in the country.

“We need to understand he sells cricket for Pakistan and there is always this debate happening in Pakistan on whether it’s going to be another failure for Babar Azam or whether he is going to make a comeback and that keeps things interesting,” he added.

“Right now, I don’t see any sellable commodity in this Pakistan team. The sponsors are a little wary as well because Pakistan have been on a losing sequence and there are no real superstars playing in this Test match.

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Ramiz Raja offers a piece of advice to Babar Azam amid rough patch

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja offered a piece of advice to star batter Babar Azam, who is going through a rough patch with the bat, particularly in Test cricket.

Babar has thus far managed to score 250 runs in seven matches of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 at a dismal average of 22.72 and the highest score of just 41.

He bagged a two-ball duck in the first innings of the home series opener against Bangladesh while managing just 22 in the second innings as Pakistan succumbed to a 10-wicket defeat.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja, speaking on his YouTube channel, Ramiz Speaks, defended under-fire Babar Azam, stating that the star batter receives severe criticism with each of the national team’s defeats.

“It seems the entire nation does not have a problem with anything except the form of Babar Azam. Unfortunately, what happens is when you lose a match and you have not scored runs and if you are Babar Azam, then you become a headline – How did we lose? What did he do? What was his contribution? And then this is the era of social media. Anybody can criticise and ridicule anyone, this should be discouraged as much as possible,” said Raja.

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“Cricket is in our blood but don’t know for how long if we continue to lose matches like this in Test cricket. Fan following increases with wins and fans identify themselves with success stories. Babar Azam has had a famous success story. There is no doubt that he has been a big player in all three formats,” he concluded.

For the unversed, Babar Azam finished as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the previous cycle of the WTC with 1527 in 14 matches.

However, in the ongoing edition, the star batter is ranked 48th, behind some of the bowlers and bowling all-rounders like Chris Woakes, Jason Holder, Pat Cummins, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Ravindra Jadeja.

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