AUS vs PAK: Ramiz Raja Lashes Out At Pakistan After Heavy Defeat Against India In ICC World Cup 2023

Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja expressed disappointment with the Babar Azam-led team’s performance against India. Ramiz Raja emphasized that Pakistan couldn’t compete in a challenging environment with overwhelming support for the Indian team from the crowd.

The Men in Green got off to a good start at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday, October 14. The team appeared to be on track to score around 300 runs at one stage. However, they lost the last eight wickets for 36 runs, collapsing to a total of 191 runs.

You’ve Got To Rise To The Occasion – Ramiz Raja

In a recent episode of The ICC Review podcast, Ramiz Raja emphasized the challenge of facing India in front of predominantly Indian fans. However, Raja said that the team should have risen to the occasion.

“This should hurt Pakistan because they weren’t able to compete. When you’re playing against India obviously it’s such an environment where it’s 99 percent India fans and crowds, you’re obviously overwhelmed. I understand all of that,” Ramiz said.

“But Babar Azam has led this side for a good four or five years, so you’ve got to rise to the occasion. If you can’t win, then at least compete. Pakistan weren’t able to do that,” he added.

They Can’t Be Termed As ‘Chokers’ – Ramiz Raja

Ramiz Raja highlighted that Pakistan shouldn’t be labeled as “chokers.” He acknowledged the mental and skill blocks that have hindered their performances in India-Pakistan matches.

“It’s a reality and Pakistan have got to do something about it. They can’t be termed as ‘chokers’ against India because that’s not a great tag to have. Somehow it’s a mental block, it’s a skill block as well.”

“Credit to India for maintaining their presence in World Cup competitions against Pakistan, it’s not an easy match for India also because there are emotions involved, there are expectations involved.”

“Then you’re supposed to win because it has been happening for so many years that this can get you under a little bit of extra pressure. But they’ve handled it so well.

The Men in Blue started their innings in an aggressive fashion, putting opposing bowlers under pressure. Rohit Sharma scored 86 runs off 63 balls, including six fours and six maximums. Shaheen Afridi picked up two Indian opener wickets, while Hasan Ali dismissed Virat Kohli.

Also read: IND vs PAK: Ramiz Raja Predicted Highest Run-Getter And Wicket-Taker For India-Pakistan Match