PAK vs SA: Ramiz Raja Urges Strong Leadership To Lift Pakistan's Spirits Amidst Defeats In World Cup 2023

Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja revealed that he spoke to captain Babar Azam after the match against Afghanistan in the OCC World Cup 2023. Ramiz Raja admitted that he questioned Babar Azam about the decision to use spinners in the last overs of the match.

The Men in Green endured an eight-wicket loss to Afghanistan in their most recent match in Chennai. Pakistan’s spinners, including Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, and Ifthikar Ahmed, conceded 131 runs in 21 overs at an economy rate of 6.2 without taking any wickets.

I Asked Babar Azam Before The Presentation – Ramiz Raja

During an off-air conversation with Babar Azam, Ramiz Raja suggested that employing fast bowlers might have been a better choice, potentially creating wicket-taking opportunities.

“I asked Babar Azam off-air before the presentation why did you play spinners in the 42nd or 46th over, especially when Hassan Ali was getting the reverse swing. If you had placed fast bowlers in those overs, you might have bagged one or two wickets and get into the rhythm. But he said the ball was spinning, so he played spinners,” Ramiz said.

Pakistan spinners have failed to make an impact in the tournament so far. Shadab Khan has picked up two wickets in four matches at an average of 90. Mohammad Nawaz has also grabbed two wickets in four games, while Usama Mir has bagged one wicket in two games.

Spinners Can’t Help You When They Have Been Below Par – Ramiz Raja

Ramiz Raja emphasized that Pakistan’s recent losses can only be fixed with strong leadership. He pointed out that Babar Azam’s body language seemed low, and he expressed concern that this could negatively impact the team’s morale and performance.

“Spinners can’t help you when they have been below par. Only leadership can get Pakistan back on the saddle after losing three matches. Sadly I have to say that Babar Azam’s body language is really down. And if he is down, then team will be down too,” he concluded.

The Babar Azam-led team is on the verge of elimination in the tournament, and they must win their remaining matches to keep their chances alive. They will face tough opponents in South Africa, New Zealand, and England in their last four matches of the event.

Also read: PAK vs SA: Pakistan Cricket Need Complete Overhaul After World Cup: Ramiz Raja Expresses Concern