Prominent commentator and former captain Ramiz Raja has criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in the aftermath of the Green Shirts' disappointing performance in the 2023 World Cup.
On Saturday, the team led by Babar Azam was ousted from the World Cup after failing to limit England to a low total and falling short in the required overs to surpass New Zealand's net run rate (NRR) and advance to the knockout stage. The national side concluded the tournament on a low note, suffering a 93-run defeat against the defending champions in their final-round match and being dismissed for 244 runs while chasing England's 338-run target.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former PCB chairman questioned the criticism of Babar's captaincy when bowlers struggled to take wickets with the new ball and become costly.
"When you (bowlers) don't take wickets with the new ball and start getting expensive [conceding runs], how would Babar do captaincy then?"
"And then they (PCB) would gather some ex-cricketers and ask them how to fix cricket? Who put them in charge (of the board)? Is their job just to huddle together and change the captain and the coaching staff and everyone would think they have taken a major step?"
Raja was not happy with the PCB's approach of seeking advice from ex-cricketers to fix cricket-related issues, questioning their competence in leading the board. He called for an end to the practice of leaking news and making statements during major events. The newly-appointed interim chief selector, Tauseef Ahmed, also faced heavy criticism from Raja.
"Not even an inch of Pakistan's cricket can get better if you don't have passion for the game. You need to change yourself and your mindset. You need to shut this process of leaking news to your favourite reporters," he added.
"The new chief selector that you've appointed, look at his old clips and how badly he has talked about Babar and [Mohammad] Rizwan, you want your cricket to progress by appointing a 70-year-old who knows nothing about selection?"
The 1992 World Cup winner declared that Pakistan cricket has collapsed, highlighting issues with local clubs, where playing with spikes is impractical. Raja suggested a need for a complete overhaul of the system, with the board initiating changes.
"Pakistan cricket has collapsed. You can't bat, bowl or field with spikes in club matches. On weekends, the grounds where clubs practice are given to the companies to organise tennis-ball cricket because it gives them (the clubs) money."
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