Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja wants the team to make a bold call before the Asia Cup 2023 clash against India. He also opined that Fakhar Zaman should be dropped as his body language looks shaky right now. However, Zaman has struggled with the bat in recent times, managing scores of 2, 30, and 27 in the three-game ODI series against Afghanistan and managed only 14 runs in their Asia Cup opener against Nepal in Multan.
Speaking on his YouTube Channel, Ramiz Raja said, “He played three matches against Afghanistan and couldn’t make a mark as well. His body language is suffering, and Pakistan need an in-form opener. If Imam (Ul-Haq) also gets dismissed cheaply, it creates pressure. Pakistan need to assess Fakhar. I believe they should rest him, give him some time out. Sidelining him is better for him as well as the Pakistan side. He’s a good player, Pakistan has given him chances. But against India, with the form that he has, that chance is not worth being taken.”
READ MORE: Virat Kohli shares the importance of maintaining diet
However, Pakistan failed to start well against a modest Nepal side, losing both their openers inside 10 overs. However, centuries from Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed helped them reach to an imposing total of 342/6 in 50 overs before the bowlers bowled Nepal out for 104.
READ MORE: “Can be the future captain of India” – Kiran More on Ruturaj Gaikwad
“The big problem is Fakhar Zaman. He is an unorthodox hitter, but when someone like that gets out of form, it takes some time to find solutions on the drawing board. He’s a bottom-handed player, plays on the leg-side, somehow he adjusts with that and scores,” Ramiz Raja concluded.
