Asia Cup 2022: PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja Reveals He Spoke To Babar Azam On Zoom Call To Address His Ongoing Dry Patch

Updated - 09 Sep 2022, 07:37 PM

Ramiz Raja
PCB president Ramiz Raja. Credits: PCB

Pakistan secured their finals berth in the Asia Cup 2022 in dramatic fashion, beating Afghanistan by one wicket in a thrilling contest in Sharjah. The Babar Azam-led squad was reeling at 118/9 with an over remaining in the 130-run chase when Naseem Shah smashed Fazalhaq Farooqi for two successive sixes to seal an incredible victory.

Pakistan is slated to take on Sri Lanka in the final of the continental tournament but despite the euphoria of the win, there’s a major concern for the side – Babar Azam’s lack of runs. His scores read 10, 9, 14, and 0 and former Pakistan cricketer and PCB chairman Ramiz Raja revealed that he talked to Babar regarding the matter.

Babar Azam. PC- Twitter
Babar Azam. PC- Twitter

Ramiz Raja feels Babar Azam should be accountable for his poor form

Ramiz Raja spoke to Babar Azam on a zoom call to address the concern. The Pakistan skipper, who came into the Asia Cup with a brilliant run of form, has failed to make an impact in any of the side’s four games in the tournament. Echoing on the same lines, Ramiz revealed that he held a video call with the Pakistan team before its match against India and also talked to Babar about his rough patch in the tournament.

Ramiz Raja
Ramiz Raja. (Photo: Twitter)

“I talked to him (Babar) just a day or two days ago. When I see his record and my record, I find it a little weird while giving him advice. But I’m the chairman of PCB… what I’ve learnt from my one year in administration is that you have to keep your hands off. Sometimes, you might think you should interfere in everything just because you have played cricket. But if you have delegated responsibilities to certain individuals, you can hold them accountable,” Ramiz told media during an interaction on Thursday.

Ramiz Raja is confident the Pakistan skipper will get going soon

Babar Azam will return to action later on Friday when Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in their last Super 4 game; both sides will have a rematch on Sunday night in the final of the Asia Cup.

Babar Azam
Babar Azam. Image: Twitter

Ramiz also revealed that he urged Babar to not remain under the conception that he has gone out of form. “He’s a great player. I talked to him, told him ‘don’t even think that you are out of form’. Because I know he will come back strongly,” said Ramiz.

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