Azam Khan's Father Blames Ex-PCB Chief for Son's Exclusion from National Team

Azam Khan’s Father Blames Ex-PCB Chief for Son’s Exclusion from National Team

Azam Khan, the Pakistani batter, has been making waves in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with his powerful shots and game-changing abilities. However, his career has been marred by concerns about his fitness levels, which have also contributed to his exclusion from the national team.

Moin Khan, Azam’s father and a former wicketkeeper-batter for Pakistan, has criticized Ramiz Raja, the ex-chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), for hindering his son’s progress. Moin believes that Raja’s decision to exclude Azam from the squad prior to the T20 World Cup in 2021 was a major setback.

“In the 2022 (2021) World Cup, Azam was also selected for the team, but Ramiz Raja dropped him. At that time, if the chief selector had made a wrong selection, he should have been removed, but they didn’t have the courage, and as a result, they demoralized a young player,” Moin told Cricket Pakistan.

Moin also expressed his disapproval regarding the choice to drop Azam from the squad after a single game. The promising wicketkeeper-batsman failed to score in the match against USA, which resulted in Pakistan’s unexpected loss.

“I watched the entire World Cup and the matches leading up to it, and it seemed like Azam was the number one choice for wicketkeeping and batting. Then suddenly, after just one match, the entire strategy was changed. Azam wasn’t given a chance to keep wickets after one match and was dropped after getting out on the very first ball,” he said.

However, Moin emphasized that Azam needs to become “physically and mentally” stronger to maintain his performance at the highest level.

“I’m not saying that all the blame lies with the team management and the captain; Azam has his own shortcomings too. He needs to make himself physically and mentally stronger, follow the fitness routines of other sportsmen. For the past month or so, I’ve noticed he’s been working hard to improve his fitness with his trainer Shehzar Mohammad, even taking him along to the Caribbean League,” said Moin.

Pakistan's Test Cricket Crisis: Former Captain Demands Explanation

Pakistan’s Test Cricket Crisis: Former Captain Demands Explanation

Pakistan’s dismal performance in the recent Test series against Bangladesh has sparked widespread criticism and raised concerns about the state of the team. Former captain Ramiz Raja has called for an explanation from red-ball captain Shan Masood and senior players, while the media has expressed dismay at the team’s lackluster display.

The series, which Bangladesh won 2-0, marked a new low for Pakistan, who have now slipped to eighth in the ICC World Test Championship standings. Masood, who took over the captaincy earlier this year, has come under fire for his leadership and team selection.

Critics have pointed to the team’s lack of fitness and long gaps between Test matches as contributing factors to the debacle. Masood himself admitted that the team was not prepared for the challenge posed by Bangladesh, who played with greater intensity and determination.

Raja, in particular, has been vocal in his criticism of Masood’s captaincy. He believes that Masood has failed to inspire the team and has not held senior players accountable for their poor performances.

“It’s the job of the leader to fight,” Raja said. “Agreed he (Masood) is a young captain, agreed the bowling attack was young, but he had picked up this bowling attack.”

Raja also questioned Masood’s own batting form, noting that the left-hander has not scored a century in Test cricket since 2020.

“He has to answer about his own performance,” Raja said. “He is not scoring and the way Bangladesh squeezed, somebody has to be called for explanation, senior players needs to explain.”

The decline in Pakistan’s Test cricket performance has been a cause for concern for fans and experts alike. The team has struggled to find consistency in recent years, and the Bangladesh series has only served to highlight the depth of the problems.

With a three-Test series against England looming next month, Pakistan has little time to recover. Raja believes that the players need to take responsibility for their performances and show a greater sense of urgency.

“They (players) have to take onus,” Raja said. “This is the season to make a name. You have to get yourself up mentally and there are no excuses. … When there’s no blame game, only then you can go upward.”

Ramiz Raja Alerts Fans to Fake Instagram Accounts

Ramiz Raja Alerts Fans to Fake Instagram Accounts

Ramiz Raja Warns Fans of Fake Instagram Accounts Impersonating Him

Former Pakistan cricket captain Ramiz Raja has issued a warning to his fans about multiple fake Instagram accounts claiming to represent him. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Raja shared screenshots of these accounts and urged his followers to be cautious.

“I had to make this video in an emergency,” Raja said. “There are many fake accounts on Instagram in my name. One or two are even claiming to be my managers.”

Raja emphasized that he does not have any managers and directed his fans to follow only his official Instagram account. “Please follow this only,” he said. “Whatever activities you may be planning to do on Instagram through those (fake) accounts, please don’t do that because I have come to know about frauds happening.”

Raja’s warning comes amid a growing trend of fake accounts impersonating celebrities and public figures on social media. These accounts often engage in fraudulent activities, such as soliciting money or personal information from unsuspecting followers.

Raja, who played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup victory, has a significant following on social media. His YouTube channel has over 1.5 million subscribers, while his Instagram account has over 1 million followers.

The former cricketer’s warning highlights the importance of being vigilant on social media and verifying the authenticity of accounts before engaging with them. Fans are advised to be cautious of any requests for personal information or financial transactions from accounts claiming to represent public figures.

Babar Azam's Form Woes Continue as Pakistan Suffers Test Defeat to Bangladesh

Babar Azam’s Form Woes Continue as Pakistan Suffers Test Defeat to Bangladesh

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s recent batting struggles have sparked widespread criticism, with his performance in the first Test against Bangladesh drawing particular scrutiny. Azam’s scores of 0 and 22 contributed to Pakistan’s dramatic batting collapse on the final day, resulting in a 10-wicket defeat.

The loss marked Bangladesh’s first-ever Test victory over Pakistan, prompting former captain Ramiz Raja to express his disappointment on his YouTube channel. Raja lamented the team’s inability to maintain consistency and questioned Azam’s form.

“It seems the entire country doesn’t have a problem with anything except the form of Babar Azam,” Raja said. “Cricket is in our blood, but I don’t know for how long if we continue to lose matches like this in Test cricket.”

Pakistan conceded a 117-run lead to Bangladesh in the first innings and were then bowled out for just 146 on day five, leaving the visitors with a mere 30 runs to chase for victory. Saud Shakel (141) and Mohammad Rizwan (171 not out) had earlier starred in Pakistan’s first-innings total of 448 for 6 declared.

However, Bangladesh’s veteran Mushfiqur Rahim’s epic 191 and contributions throughout the batting card helped the visitors post 565 all out in response.

Raja emphasized the importance of success in building fan following and acknowledged Azam’s past achievements. However, he also highlighted the intense scrutiny that comes with being a high-profile player in the era of social media.

“When you lose a match and you haven’t scored runs, and if you are Babar Azam, then you become a headline,” Raja said. “This is the era of social media, where anyone can criticize and ridicule anyone.”

Raja advised Azam to avoid social media, stay in the moment, and focus on his batting technique. He suggested that Azam work on his footwork, practice hook and pull shots, and play with a positive intent.

“Scoring runs is one thing, but is he happy with the way he is batting?” Raja asked. “The last innings he played, he was bowled off an inside-edge. It means your bat angles are not right, you lose your frame because you aren’t spending much time on the crease.”

Raja emphasized the importance of mental toughness and the need for Azam to forget past failures and focus on the present moment. He also stressed the critical role of character in overcoming adversity.

Pakistan's Worst-Ever Test Defeat: Ramiz Raja Blames India Angle

Pakistan’s Worst-Ever Test Defeat: Ramiz Raja Blames India Angle

Pakistan’s humiliating 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in their own backyard has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has attributed the debacle to a combination of poor team selection, a lack of confidence in the fast bowlers, and skipper Shan Masood’s inability to read the conditions.

Raja believes that Pakistan’s decision to field four pacers on a Rawalpindi track in August was a tactical blunder. “The Bangladesh fast bowlers seemed more penetrative while our bowlers were involved in more drama around their wickets,” he said. “Since Pakistan did not have an out-and-out fast bowler on that track, even Bangladesh, with that line-up stood tall against our pacers with speeds around 125 to 135kmph.”

Raja also criticized Masood’s leadership, saying that he “did not read the conditions well.” “Shan Masood is currently on a losing streak,” he said. “I felt, in Australian conditions, things are tougher and it was impossible for Pakistan team to win a series there. But you are now losing in home conditions, against a team like Bangladesh, because you did not read the conditions well.”

Raja urged Masood to improve his batting and leadership skills, or risk losing his place in the team. “He needs to work on his batting,” he said. “It’s not like he is a great captain and so if he keeps getting out ducks, he would still have his place in the side. Losing makes a huge dent in the team and the morale of the side.”

The defeat has raised serious questions about the future of Pakistan cricket. Raja believes that the team needs to rebuild its confidence and find a way to counter the attacking style of play that has been successful against them. “This debacle, a sort of a confidence crisis, started during the Asia Cup when India bashed our pacers on seaming conditions and then the secret was out to the world that the only way to counter this line-up was to attack,” he said.

Ramiz Raja Slams Pakistan Bowlers for Leaking Runs Against Ireland

Ramiz Raja Slams Pakistan Bowlers for Leaking Runs Against Ireland

Pakistan’s former cricket board chairman, Ramiz Raja, has expressed his disappointment with the performance of the team’s bowlers in the second T20I against Ireland. Despite Pakistan’s comprehensive victory, Raja criticized the bowlers for conceding 162 runs in the first innings.

Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, and Abbas Afridi combined to give away runs at a hefty economy rate, with Shaheen and Amir proving particularly costly. Shaheen conceded 49 runs in his four-over spell, while Amir gave away 44 runs.

Raja believes that Pakistan’s bowlers have been struggling since last year’s World Cup in India. He pointed out that the team’s success has been built on the strength of its pacers, but they have been inconsistent in recent times.

“Pakistan’s top bowlers giving away so many runs against Ireland, then it will become hard for the team in future,” Raja said. “Pakistan’s forte, and success are based on the bowlers, especially pacers, they have been struggling since last year’s World Cup in India. Two balls are good and then three deliveries are bad, this makes the situation tough.”

Pakistan’s decision to bowl first backfired as Ireland posted a competitive total of 193/7. Lorcan Tucker led the charge with 51 runs, while Harry Tector and Curtis Campher provided valuable support.

In reply, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman laid the foundation for Pakistan’s chase with half-centuries. Azam Khan then sealed the victory with three consecutive sixes.

The series is now level at 1-1, with the third and deciding match scheduled for Tuesday at the Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup Preparations Hit by Loss to Ireland

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Preparations Hit by Loss to Ireland

Pakistan’s recent loss to Ireland in the first T20I of their three-match series has raised concerns about the team’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Ramiz Raja, expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance, particularly their drop to seventh position in the ICC T20 Rankings.

Raja highlighted the team’s weakened body language and questioned the frequent changes in captaincy and squad composition. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that “you can’t defend losing against Ireland.”

Raja also raised concerns about Pakistan’s batting lineup, pointing out the inconsistencies and lack of stability in the middle order. He questioned the team’s ability to perform at the highest level, especially with the T20 World Cup looming.

“How will Pakistan win the World Cup?” Raja pondered, expressing doubts about the team’s prospects given their current form. “You know the capability of the team and you want them to play like India, Australia or you want to produce a player like Travis Head.”

Raja’s comments shed light on Pakistan’s struggles, both in batting and bowling departments. Despite posting a competitive total of 182/6, Pakistan’s bowlers failed to defend it, with issues like full tosses and overpitched deliveries plaguing their performance.

Pakistan’s loss to Ireland has exposed the team’s weaknesses and raised questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. With the T20 World Cup just months away, the team will need to address these issues quickly if they want to be competitive in the tournament.

Ramiz Raja Slams Pakistan's Experimentation Ahead of T20 World Cup

Ramiz Raja Slams Pakistan’s Experimentation Ahead of T20 World Cup

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has strongly criticized the team management’s decision to experiment with the squad ahead of the T20 World Cup. Pakistan’s recent 4-run defeat to New Zealand in the fourth T20I has raised concerns about the team’s preparation for the upcoming global tournament.

Raja questioned the logic behind experimenting with the team so close to the World Cup. He argued that such experiments could lead to a loss of confidence and disrupt the team’s rhythm. “Where is it written that when you are trying to test your bench strength it is necessary to lose?” Raja asked. “I can’t understand what you are trying to do.”

Raja also criticized the team’s captaincy changes and batting order adjustments, which he believes have destabilized the team. He pointed out that Pakistan’s white-ball team was performing well before these changes were made.

The former cricketer expressed concern about the number of people involved in the team’s decision-making process. “Too many cooks in the dugout and a lot of people are trying to be experts,” Raja said. “There is massive confusion.”

Raja emphasized the importance of building a competitive team and focusing on winning. He warned that if Pakistan continues to experiment and lose matches, it will negatively impact their mindset going into the World Cup.

“You need to make a combination that makes you competitive,” Raja said. “You can’t lose matches by experimenting based on talent. You can experiment all you want but you can’t lose matches against this New Zealand team.”

Pakistan will face England in a four-match T20I series after the conclusion of the New Zealand series. Raja believes that if Pakistan loses that series as well, it will be a major setback for their World Cup preparations.

“If you lose the England series, in what frame of mind will you go in New York to defeat India?” Raja asked. “Your body of work is defeat. Pakistan needs to focus on victory.”

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