Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar said that Ramiz Raja has come in as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman to make some aggressive changes as well. However, Ramiz Raja is all set to take over the reign as PCB chief, replacing Ehsan Mani.
Meanwhile, the decision was taken after the former Pakistan captain recently met the country’s Prime Minister and cricket legend Imran Khan as well. While speaking to Geo Pakistan, Akhtar backed Ramiz Raja as the new PCB chairman.
He was quoted as saying: “A lot of people think that since Ramiz himself wasn’t such a strong cricketer himself, he wouldn’t be able to reform Pakistan cricket. However, I do not share this opinion. I don’t think he will spare (the incumbent) management. He will make aggressive changes. He has been brought on board (by Prime Minister Imran Khan) to make aggressive changes.”
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According to Shoaib Akhter, Ramiz Raja can bring much-needed aggression into Pakistan cricket again, which has gone missing in recent years. The former pacer added: “Back in the ’90s, we used to play with aggression. He has been a part of the team during those days, he knows all about it. Our batting line-up was full of aggressive players. Pakistan has found talented bowlers (lately) but in patches. Fine, we do have Hasan Ali, Shahnawaz Dahani and Shaheen Afridi. But we are missing that X factor.”
On the other hand, former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has also backed Ramiz Raja as the new PCB chairman. He stated that Raja’s experience will boost Pakistan’s cricket as well.
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Speaking on his YouTube channel, Inzamam said: “It is a very good sign. A proper cricketer will become the PCB chairman for the first time. My best wishes to Ramiz Raja. He understands cricket very well. Also, Ramiz Raja has been attached to the game even after he left cricket. He never went away. He is very well aware of how the modern game functions and its intricacies. He will have a good idea of how to improve Pakistan cricket and which people to deal with for the same.”
