Ramiz Raja Press Conference Archives

Miandad set to supervise, Afridi, Malik, Sammy to be Icon players of PJL

KARACHI: Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ramiz Raja has revealed the plan for conducting the inaugural edition Pakistan Junior League (PJL) as he charged legendary batter Javed Miandad to supervise the league.

Speaking at a press conference, PCB Chairman announced Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, and Darren Sammy to be the icon players of the league,

“There is no batsman better than Miandad to supervise the league,” he said. “We’ve selected three icon players for the PJL, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, and Darren Sammy,” he added.

He further stated that 30 companies were ready to own the six franchises planned for the tournament.

“PCB is the first cricket board which is organizing a junior league,” claimed Ramiz.

The PJL will be the first of its sort T20 league contested by under-19 teams, featuring local as well as international players. The teams will recruit the young players via a draft system and will be allowed to avail the services of an iconic player as the team mentor to boost the confidence of the players.

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‘Drop-In pitches is long project, will take time’ Ramiz Raja

KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s chairman Ramiz Raja shared that Drop-In Pitches is a long process and it will take time.

Speaking to media at Naya Nazimabad Cricket Ground, where one of the two drop-in pitches will be installed, Ramiz said it requires proper planning and they are on it.

“Drop-In pitches is my longest dream which is now about to be fulfilled. PCB is glad to join hands with Arif Habib Group on this venture,” he said.

“It’s a long process and it will take time and proper planning. We are on it and I hope it will be done as soon as possible,” he added.

To a query about infrastructure planning before hosting Champions Trophy 2025 and Asia Cup 2022, Ramiz said it needs extensive planning.

“Hosting events like Champions Trophy and Asia Cup isn’t easy. You need to do extensive preparations and plannings,” he said.

“We have to do a lot of work for these events. We need to purchase the equipment to improve the maintenance of the grounds. Only the purchasing would require millions of rupees. So, a lot of stuff to do in the short time period,” he concluded.

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‘No doubt, I am one man show’ Ramiz responds to critics

KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s chairman Ramiz Raja responded to his critics while accepting that he is ‘one man show’.

Speaking to media here for the first time after becoming PCB chairman, Ramiz said there is no doubt, he has everything under his control in the PCB.

“There is no doubt, I am,” Ramiz responded to critics who call him one man show.

It must be noted here that many former cricketers criticized Ramiz for being one man show following several resignations in the board after he took charge as PCB chairman.

On the other hand, Ramiz once again emphasized on investing only in cricket for betterment of game and players.

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‘Planning to reduce fans’ problems to enter stadiums’ PCB chairman

KARACHI: Ramiz Raja, Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) assured to plan easiest ways for fans to enter stadiums in the country for matches in the future.

Ramiz, while responding to the question during a presser here on Wednesday, accepted the concerns of lower crowd turn-out at National Stadium during the Pakistan vs West Indies – T20I series.

“We are aware of the emotional feelings of fans when they face difficulties to enter stadiums. And, we are looking at it seriously. As a commentator, I have gone through all the difficulties while entering the stadium so I can feel for them,” Ramiz said.

“It’s one of our concerns and we have this in our plans to resolve it. As far as tickets purchase is concerned, we know the difficulties faced by fans. We are also planning to establish on-site ticket purchasing facilities,” he shared.

The PCB chairman also shared his plan to build fans’ engagement centers at a couple of venues in the country. “We have in process for the first time in history, fans engagement centers. This idea will help fans register their complaints regarding Pakistan cricket and also to enjoy the perks and facilities as the important stakeholder of the game,” he maintained.

Meanwhile, Ramiz also requested fans to exhibit tolerance a bit as in the end, it is all about the image of Pakistan cricket.

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