‘Pakistan cricket has collapsed’, Ramiz Raja blasts PCB after World Cup exit

Former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja has slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), claiming the country’s cricket has “collapsed”.

The Green Shirts crashed out of the 2023 World Cup on Saturday after failing to restrict England to a low total and chase down the target in the required overs to overtake New Zealand in net run rate (NRR) to advance to the semi-finals.

The Men in Green’s run turned sour as they suffered a 93-run defeat by the defending champions in their last round match and were bowled out for 244 runs while chasing England’s 338-run target.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former PCB chairman said, “When you [bowlers] don’t take wickets with the new ball and start getting expensive [conceding runs]How would Babar captain then?’

“And then they [PCB] would he gather some ex-cricketers and ask them how to fix cricket? Who put them in charge? [of the board]? Is it their job to just get together and change captains and coaching staff and everyone would think they’ve taken a major step?”

The former cricketer called for an end to the process of leaking news and statements during a major event and also heavily criticized the newly appointed interim chief selector Tauseef Ahmed.

“Not an inch of Pakistan cricket can improve if you don’t have passion for the game. You need to change yourself and your mindset. You need to shut down this process of leaking news to your favorite reporters,” he added.

“The new chief selector you appointed, look at his old clips and how badly he has spoken about Babar and [Mohammad] Rizwan, do you want your cricket to move forward by appointing a 70-year-old who knows nothing about selection?’

The 1992 World Cup winner then said that Pakistan cricket has collapsed and also spoke about the problems with the local clubs.

“Pakistan cricket has collapsed. You can’t bat, bowl or pitch in club matches. On weekends, the pitches where the clubs practice are given to companies to stage tennis ball cricket because it gives them [the clubs] money.”

“This whole system needs to change and the board needs to change itself first,” he concluded.

Remember, Pakistan’s World Cup campaign ended with eight points from a possible 18 as the Men in Green emerged victorious in four games while tasting defeat in five.

Pakistan have now failed to qualify for the World Cup semi-final for the fifth time this century as their last appearance was in the 2011 World Cup semi-final against India, which they lost.