Pakistan’s cricket team is under heavy scrutiny following their underwhelming performances in the first two matches of the ongoing Twenty20 World Cup. The spotlight has been particularly harsh after their recent defeat to India on Sunday, where a seemingly winning position was squandered. Ramiz Raja, a former captain and ex-chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has voiced his concerns and provided insights on the team’s issues and the way forward.
On Mohammad Rizwan’s Shot Selection
Raja pinpointed Mohammad Rizwan’s shot off Jasprit Bumrah as a crucial turning point. “We didn’t see any positive intent. There was no great game awareness either. That Rizwan shot off Bumrah was not on. Bumrah had come in to provide the breakthrough. His two overs were make-or-break for Pakistan,” he said. Raja emphasized the importance of negotiating Bumrah’s overs carefully, noting, “If they had put their mind to it and made sure that Bumrah was negotiated safely, it could have been a smooth sailing.”
Bumrah’s Impact
Raja underscored Bumrah’s significant influence on the game, stating, “Bumrah was the difference between the teams by a long way. Because Rizwan was the last man standing for Pakistan.” He highlighted the frustration over Pakistan’s inability to chase down a modest target of 120, attributing it to a lack of temperament and game awareness. “No heroics were needed, no fours or sixes. You were going at six an over. Why did you let it slip?” he questioned.
Rebuilding the Team
Addressing the need for a team overhaul, Raja concurred with Wasim Akram’s call for new talent. “You need to start rebuilding after the World Cup. You’ve got to pick those players who can handle pressure and those who have clarity,” he stated. He criticized the practice of bringing retired players back, arguing, “By asking all these retirees to come back, you are actually negating the good work that’s been done at the first class or the age group levels. It gives an impression as if there is no new talent that can come and help Pakistan cricket.”
Team Unity and Performance
Raja dismissed speculations of internal rifts within the team. “If you felt that the team was fragmented, the first innings would have negated that viewpoint. They played well, they bowled well,” he observed. He also refuted the idea that camaraderie between Indian and Pakistani players diminishes the rivalry. “We eat the same food, we speak the same language and culturally we’re very similar nations. So I don’t think that there should be grudges and animosity,” he remarked.
Mental Blocks and Strategy
Raja dismissed notions of a mental block against India, citing recent close encounters. “It can’t be a mental block as such when it’s not a one-sided affair. Let’s also not forget that India are the best side in the world,” he stated. He also criticized the team’s strategic errors, particularly in the batting order and shot selection. “Naseem Shah showed us that a couple of big hits could have derailed India mentally, but that did not happen,” he lamented.
Opening Combination and Player Fitness
Raja defended the Babar-Rizwan opening partnership, suggesting it provides stability. “They may not give you a strike rate of a Rohit Sharma or a Virat kohli, but at least they give you solidity,” he explained. He also stressed the importance of fitness, citing Imad Wasim’s performance as an example. “The first thing you need to have is a set standard of fitness,” he asserted.
Coaching and Captaincy
Commenting on the coaching setup, Raja emphasized the need for strong leadership. “When I had to nominate the coaching staff, it took me literally about 10 hours to announce them because I always felt that it’s the captain and the team who need to be strong and they need to deliver,” he noted. He suggested that in T20 cricket, players must coach and captain themselves due to the fast-paced nature of the game.
World Cup and Future Prospects
Raja expressed confidence in India’s chances in the World Cup, stating, “I think they stand a very good chance; they should be in the final.” He also looked ahead to the Champions Trophy preparations in Pakistan, assuring that Indian players would receive a warm welcome. “You ask the guys who toured Pakistan in 2004. They still remember it. You ask VVS Laxman. That series had won the Laureus Award for the sporting spectacle of the year,” he recalled.
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