LAHORE: Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja delivered a blistering assessment of the national team’s performance even as the side celebrated a series deciding victory over Australia in Lahore.
Speaking to media after Pakistan scraped home in the third ODI, Ramiz said he was far from satisfied with what he described as a worrying display of frailty and inconsistency, warning that the current setup is not the side that once intimidated visiting teams on home soil.
Ramiz pointed to the narrow nature of the win — chasing a modest target of 157 — as evidence that deeper problems persist. “I am not content with this result,” he said bluntly, arguing that the manner of the victory exposed vulnerabilities rather than comforted them. He noted that several key Australian players were absent from the touring party, and suggested that beating a weakened side in such circumstances should not mask Pakistan’s shortcomings.
The former chairman did not mince words about the team’s readiness for the World Cup. With the global tournament approaching, Ramiz urged urgent and wide ranging changes to the squad and the board’s policies. “If we go to the World Cup with this standard, it will be a huge risk,” he warned, calling for a clear plan to restore the aggressive, intimidating home side Pakistan once fielded. His critique extended beyond players to governance, as he questioned the logic and transparency of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s recent decisions.
Ramiz also criticised what he described as an unclear policy direction from the PCB. “I do not understand the board’s policy — what exactly are they trying to achieve?” he asked, pressing for accountability and a coherent strategy. His comments reflected broader unease among former players and pundits who believe that short term results should not obscure structural weaknesses in selection, preparation and pitch management.
The former chairman’s intervention has already reignited debate about selection stability and pitch preparation. Ramiz argued that the team needs a settled core and a clearer pathway for integrating young talent, rather than frequent chopping and changing that undermines continuity. He also suggested that home pitches should be prepared with an eye to international competitiveness and the demands of major tournaments, rather than merely reflecting local conditions.
Reactions to Ramiz’s remarks were mixed. Supporters of the current management pointed to the series win and the emergence of promising performers as reasons for cautious optimism, while critics welcomed his call for a strategic rethink. The timing of his comments — immediately after a series decider — ensured they would dominate headlines and force the PCB into a defensive posture.
