- Ramiz Raja criticizes for dragging Babar Azam into unnecessary controversies.
- Pakistan defeated New Zealand by six wickets in the first ODI on Monday.
- The Green Shirts will face the Kiwis in the second ODI.
Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has claimed that despite his good performances in white-ball cricket, national team captain Babar Azam is being dragged into unnecessary controversies.
Pakistan defeated New Zealand by six wickets in the first ODI on Monday, thanks to half-centuries from skipper Babar, Mohammad Rizwan, and Fakhar Zaman, as well as Naseem Shah’s five-for.
Raja praised Babar and Rizwan for their efforts in helping Pakistan win the first ODI and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
“Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam were under a lot of pressure. The pressure was created on Babar’s captaincy for no reason, unfortunately. This is how a team’s atmospheres are spoiled,” Ramiz Speaks, the former cricketer, said on his official YouTube channel.
“He is being asked tough questions and being put into pointless controversies. This team has done well recently in white-ball cricket as they have avoided controversy and been consistent with their combination. He played a very good knock under pressure.”
Shan Masood, a left-handed batter, has been named Pakistan’s ODI captain for the New Zealand series, succeeding Rizwan.
“Rizwan was under a lot of pressure too,” the former commentator said of the decision to remove him from the ODI vice-captaincy. His runs were extremely valuable.”
“I don’t understand why he was removed from vice-captaincy. How will this benefit anyone? We know he gives his best for the team. There is no bigger fighter for Pakistan. Use his energy and commitment.”
“Such an experience shouldn’t happen, especially in white-ball cricket. He’s been a regular vice-captain and has a great comfort level with Babar. For no reason, that comfort level was removed. I think it’s a really bad decision that puts the team under pressure.”
During the series against New Zealand, Pakistan has a chance to become the world’s top ODI team.
If Pakistan defeats New Zealand 3-0 in the three-match series, they will move to the top of the rankings with 114 rating points.
With 107 rating points, the Men in Green are currently in fifth place. Meanwhile, New Zealand leads the table with 116 rating points.
The Green Shirts will face the Kiwis in the second ODI on Wednesday and later on Friday at the same venue.
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