Cricket

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 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 Warns Fans of Fake Instagram Accounts Impersonating HimFormer 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.

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 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.

The Indian cricket team's triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup was a testament to their exceptional bowling prowess. Among the standout performers was young pacer Arshdeep Singh, who emerged as a joint-highest wicket-taker alongside Afghanistan's Fazalhaq Farooqi.Arshdeep's impressive tally of 17 wickets, coupled with his economical bowling average of 7.16, earned him high praise from former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja. Raja lauded Arshdeep's ability to thrive under pressure and his willingness to learn from his more experienced teammate, Jasprit Bumrah."Arshdeep is not getting pressured by Bumrah's presence," Raja said. "He's learning from him and not feeling the pressure. It's important for him to back himself and prove that he's at par with Bumrah, if not better than him."Raja highlighted Arshdeep's versatility and adaptability, noting his ability to bowl a variety of deliveries, including length balls, slower balls, and slower bouncers. This versatility allowed him to effectively navigate the challenging batting conditions on flat tracks."He comes on to bowl in do-or-die situations," Raja said. "But he bowls cleverly and to his field. He offers a lot of advantage to his team."Raja also praised the overall improvement in the skill level of Indian bowlers, attributing it to a willingness to learn and a competitive environment."The skill level is going up and there is a willingness to learn," Raja said. "That's an important element you see in Arshdeep's bowling."Arshdeep's performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup has solidified his status as a rising star in Indian cricket. His ability to complement Bumrah's brilliance and his unwavering determination to improve make him a valuable asset to the team.

Jasprit Bumrah: A Legend in All Three Formats, Hails Ramiz RajaFormer Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has heaped praise on Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, calling him a "legend in all three formats" of cricket. Raja's comments come in the wake of Bumrah's exceptional performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, where he emerged as the Man of the Tournament with 15 wickets from eight matches.Raja acknowledged Bumrah's remarkable journey, from a young player with an awkward bowling action and low confidence to a world-class bowler who has led India to victory in the World Cup. He highlighted Bumrah's ability to deliver match-winning spells under immense pressure, making him an indispensable member of the Indian team across all formats.Bumrah's decision to continue playing T20Is is a significant boost for the Indian team, which has recently witnessed the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from the shortest format. Bumrah's presence ensures that India retains one of its most valuable assets in T20 cricket.Raja's praise for Bumrah is a testament to the Indian pacer's exceptional skills and unwavering determination. Bumrah's ability to consistently perform at the highest level has earned him the respect and admiration of cricket fans and experts alike.

Pakistan's former captain and PCB chairman, Ramiz Raja, has staunchly defended the opening partnership of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam despite Pakistan's disappointing performance in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024.In a video posted on his YouTube channel, "Ramiz Speaks," Raja expressed unwavering support for the duo, stating, "The Rizwan-Babar opening pair—we kept insisting on removing them without any real reason. I know there is nothing else after them. When there's nothing, if not them, don’t mess with what is already working."Raja emphasized the duo's crucial contributions, highlighting their roles in Pakistan's journey to the final of previous tournaments. "Their techniques might need some fine-tuning, but you can't split them up because they took us to the final in Australia and the Asia Cup—it was these two who did that," he asserted. "So, what led to these doubts about them? (Bohot zyada khich khich hua hain) There has been too much unnecessary fuss, and that's why we saw these results in the World Cup."During the T20 World Cup 2024, Babar Azam scored 122 runs from four matches, while Mohammad Rizwan amassed 110 runs in the same number of innings.Following Pakistan's early exit from the tournament, both Babar Azam and the team as a whole have faced significant criticism from various quarters. The scrutiny has been particularly intense, questioning the team's strategy and individual performances.Looking ahead, Pakistan's schedule includes challenging fixtures. They are set to host a five-Test series against Bangladesh and England, followed by a white-ball tour of Australia. Subsequently, the team will embark on a tour to South Africa, where they will compete in a comprehensive series featuring both Test and white-ball formats.

Pakistan's disappointing exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup has drawn sharp criticism from former PCB chairman and cricketer Ramiz Raja. Raja has identified several glaring deficiencies that contributed to the team's failure to advance beyond the group stage.One of the most glaring issues, according to Raja, was the lack of consistency in selection. The team experimented with different opening combinations, leaving out promising young players like Saim Ayub. This indecisiveness created uncertainty and disrupted the team's rhythm.Compounding the selection woes was the recall of retired players like Mohammed Amir. Raja questioned the logic behind this move, suggesting that it was a sign of desperation.Raja also pointed to the frequent changes in the PCB leadership and captaincy as contributing factors to the team's struggles. He believes that these disruptions have created instability and hindered the development of a cohesive unit.During Pakistan's tenure under Raja's chairmanship, the team reached the semi-finals and final of consecutive T20 World Cups. Raja's criticism, therefore, carries significant weight.Raja's analysis extends beyond selection and leadership issues. He also criticized the team's game awareness and mentality. He highlighted the decision to let left-hander Fakhar Zaman face left-arm seamer Saurabh Netravalkar in the Super Over against USA as an example of poor decision-making.Raja believes that Pakistan's players need to improve their understanding of the game and develop a winning mindset. He emphasized the importance of clear thinking and strategic decision-making in high-pressure situations.Despite wins over Canada and Ireland, Pakistan's early defeats to USA and India proved insurmountable. The team's failure to qualify for the Super 8 stage has also put their qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup in jeopardy.Raja's criticism serves as a wake-up call for the Pakistan Cricket Board and the team. It is clear that significant changes are needed to address the team's shortcomings and restore their status as a competitive force in international cricket.