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Former Pakistan cricket team captain and current Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, Ramiz Raja, has expressed firm views regarding the present condition of Pakistan cricket, with a special emphasis on the tactic of bringing back retired players following their embarrassing defeat to India in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Raja emphasized the imperative for the Pakistan cricket team to embark on a process of reconstruction post-T20 World Cup 2024, advocating for the selection of players who possess the composure to handle pressure situations and a clear comprehension of their designated roles. This comes as the Men in Green find themselves teetering on the edge of elimination from the tournament subsequent to suffering defeats in their initial two matches.
Ramiz Raja, ex-Pakistan captain and PCB head, criticizes Pakistan cricket’s approach, emphasizing rebuilding post-T20 World Cup 2024.
The commentator further contended that reintegrating retired players, such as Mohammad Amir, back into the national setup undermines the advancements achieved within Pakistan’s first-class and age-group cricket systems.
Expressing apprehension, he highlighted that the recurrence of recalling retired players conveys a message of Pakistan’s purported inadequacy in nurturing new talents capable of fortifying the national team and clinching victories.
The ex-PCB chief is of the belief that the investments made in nurturing young cricketers are being squandered, indicative of a lack of trust in emerging talents within Pakistan’s cricketing framework.
Raja perceives the dependence on retired players as a stumbling block in the team’s progression, asserting that fresh talent is indispensable for the future triumphs of Pakistan cricket, particularly in light of the current performance of the Men in Green.
Advocating for a progressive stance, Raja has implored Pakistan’s cricketing authorities to exhibit greater confidence in the emerging crop of players and ensure that the new team roster revolves around vibrant, resilient, and dynamic talents.
Raja advocates rebuilding with fresh talent amid Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 jeopardy.
Ramiz said: “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. And I think not all of them, but I just feel that there is no need to bring out players from their retirements.
Raja’s critique underscores the significance of nurturing emerging talent, suggesting that recalling retirees undermines progress at grassroots levels. Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, currently occupies the fourth spot in Group A of the T20 World Cup 2024, having faced consecutive defeats against the USA and India.
The team’s disappointing start necessitates comprehensive victories against Ireland and Canada to advance to the Super 8 stage. Their upcoming match against Canada in New York on June 11 is pivotal.
