‘We’ve worked hard to bring England back’ PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja

KARACHI: The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) – Ramiz Raja claimed that the cricket board put a lot of effort into persuading the English cricket team to visit the nation after they cancelled their planned tour last year.

Ramiz, upon his arrival at the National Stadium Karachi to witness the first T20I of the seven-match series between Pakistan and England, interacted with the media and asserted that the PCB put in a lot of effort to successfully hosting the side after a gap of almost 17 years.

“This is an important series for the preparation of the World Cup. We tried to bring England back when they were frowned upon and withdrew from the tour, we made it possible with great efforts,” stated Ramiz.

The PCB chairman further commented on the national team’s performances and revealed that he told Pakistan all-format captain Babar Azam to try to win every match to keep cricket fans happy.

“First of all, remember that we played the final of the Asia Cup and also beat India. Give this team some room to make errors,” said Ramiz.

“I tell Babar Azam the same thing, saying that supporters have short memories and that you must win every game to win their favour,” he maintained.

It is pertinent to mention here that England set foot in Pakistan to partake in the historic T20I series after a gap of almost 17 years. The side withdrew from their scheduled tour last year following the abandonment of the tour of New Zealand.

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PMLN leader Rana Mashhood hints at Ramiz’s sacking by the government

KARACHI: The member of the leading political party Pakistan Muslim League (N), Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan has hinted at the removal of former cricketer Ramiz Raja from the position of the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), here on Wednesday.

Rana Mashhood, in a video statement, commented about Ramiz continuing as the PCB Chairman despite the ousting of the previous government following a no-confidence motion by the opposition parties, saying the former cricketer should have resigned gracefully.

“I think Ramiz Raja should have displayed grace. He calls himself an ethically strong person but the ethic was that he should have resigned after the ousting of their government,” Rana Mashhood said.

“I do not see his future as the chairman of the PCB in the coming days and a new PCB chairman will be appointed surely after things get back on track,” he added.

The member of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab Mashhood also emphasized the importance of the revival of departmental cricket and is hopeful to impose the previously established structure.

“Departments use to cater for thousands of young athletes and we are the supporter of departmental sports. So, we have included the revival of departmental structure in our suggestions to the federal government,” he concluded.

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