Ramiz Raja Formally Elected As Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja was formally elected as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, taking over the reins from Ehsan Mani, whose three-year tenure came to an end. Raja will now be the PCB chief for three years after winning an unopposed election.

As widely expected, he was the only one to have submitted his nomination papers for the post and was voted in by six PCB governing board members. Ramiz, a member of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup-winning team, was nominated for the post by Pakistan Prime Minister and the PCB’s patron-in-chief Imran Khan on August 27.

This is the 36th term of a PCB chairman, and Ramiz is the 30th person to assume the role. Also, Raja is the fourth former cricketer to become PCB chief after Ijaz Butt, Javed Burki, and Abdul Hafeez Kardar. Raja officially ascended the role of chairman as the proceedings were overseen by Retired judge Sheikh Azmat Saeed – an election commissioner nominated by Imran Khan.

Ramiz Raja Begins His Second Stint With The Pakistan Cricket Board

Ramiz Raja has been already meeting with players and PCB officials. And it is believed that he had significant influence over the recently announced Pakistan squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021 to be played in UAE and Oman from October 17. Hours after the squad was announced, head coach Misbah-Ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis submitted their resignations.

This is Ramiz’s second stint with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), as he served as the PCB chief executive from 2003 to 2004. He played a pivotal role in ensuring India’s historic tour of Pakistan in 2004 was carried out without hassle. He had also brought in Bob Woolmer as coach of Pakistan, being his crowning achievement during his time in the PCB.

However, the former Pakistan captain, who played 57 Tests and 198 ODIs from 1984-1997, will have to overcome lots of challenges during his initial period as PCB chairman. The coaching staff for the Pakistan team for the upcoming ICC event is to be finalized.

Ramiz also has to oversee the renewal of the broadcasting and commercial rights for the Pakistan Super League, presently the top revenue generator for the PCB. However, the key priority for Ramiz will remain that the international cricket teams continue to visit Pakistan, as it will host New Zealand for the first time since 2003 and England for the first time since 2005.

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