PAK vs SL: Ramiz Raja Advises Pakistan Players To Avoid Negativity On Social Media Ahead Of Crucial Match Against Sri Lanka
Published - 14 Sep 2023, 12:32 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:18 AM
Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja stated that India’s win over Sri Lanka in the Super Four stage gave Pakistan hope of qualifying for the final of the Asia Cup 2023. Ramiz Raja emphasized that Pakistan needs to utilize the two-day break to rejuvenate and mentally prepare for their upcoming matches.
The Babar Azam-led team suffered a 228-run defeat against the Rohit Sharma-led team in their previous encounter. The Pakistan bowlers conceded 356 runs after opting to bat first in Colombo. In response, the Men in Green were bundled out for just 128, registering their biggest loss against arch-rivals.
They Have To Be Mentally Switched-Off – Babar Azam
In a video on his official YouTube channel, Ramiz Raja advised the Pakistan team to move on from their loss against India and concentrate on regrouping for their must-win match against Sri Lanka.
“India have given Pakistan a ray of hope with the win over Sri Lanka. Now we’ve to see if Pakistan can take benefit from that, or whether they will be low on spirits because of the defeat against India,” said Ramiz Raja.
“They need some time off the game, they have to be mentally switched-off, they got a reserve day. They’ve got a good two-day rest period where they shouldn’t think of cricket or the defeat but get together and talk,” he added.
The Rohit Sharma-led team secured a 41-run victory over the Dasun Shanaka-led team on Tuesday, September 12. India secured their spot in the final of the continental tournament, while Pakistan and Sri Lanka are vying for the other spot.
Don’t Touch Social Media – Ramiz Raja
Ramiz Raja highlighted that the Pakistan team should avoid negativity on social media and advised captain Babar Azam to focus on boosting the team’s spirits ahead of their match against Sri Lanka.
“If anyone needs special practice, they can take it. Go to pool, relax. Don’t touch social media, don’t watch television channels. There won’t be anything good there because whole Pakistan is disappointed. Get united,” Raja further added.
“You point fingers at each other after such defeats, that too against India. That shouldn’t happen. I’m sure Babar Azam has united this team really well, and his work is to assure his players and get the team high in spirit ahead of the Sri Lanka clash.”
The Babar Azam-led team will lock horns with the Dasun Shanaka-led team in their final Super Four stage match at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Thursday, September 14.
