PakPassion.net recently caught up with Ramiz in the backdrop of the recently concluded Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka series in the UAE. Ramiz spoke at length about priorties for PCB on improvement of cricket, his own future with Pakistani cricket, selection issues as well as his special relationship with Shahid Afridi.
By Ahmed Zulfiqar (November 26, 2011)
Ramiz Raja, the ex captain of Pakistan, is not only a well respected TV commentator but is also considered an expert on affairs of Pakistani cricket.
PakPassion.net recently caught up with Ramiz in the backdrop of the recently concluded Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka series in the UAE. Ramiz spoke at length about priorties for PCB on improvement of cricket, his own future with Pakistani cricket, selection issues as well as his special relationship with Shahid Afridi.
PakPassion.net: What should be the main priorities for the incumbent Chairman of PCB, Mr. Zaka Ashraf?
Ramiz Raja: Our cricket has got a few very important priorities which need to be looked at. First one obviously is how to relaunch cricket back in Pakistan. Number 2 is how to improve our standing and promote our cricket in the ICC. Thirdly I guess would be to pay attention to the domestic cricket structure. Fourthly I would suggest, we have to name our coaching unit. So these are his main priorities, and of course the most important one is to play India.
I think he [Zaka Ashraf] has made just the right start, since this series benefits both countries and benefits cricket. There is no bigger series than India-Pakistan, and they should anoint it as an ?icon? series, as Test cricket is already getting ?knockout punches? from the limited overs formats.
Australia-England, Australia-South Africa, India-Pakistan and possibly Australia-India should be icon series as well. The ICC should announce them as such, and then make sure that when these series are taking place, not many other matches are taking place at the same time.
I think the different formats are eating up each other?s territory, which is becoming a problem for everyone, be it T20, ODI or Test cricket.
So they?ve got to space them out and make sure that when one match is taking place it shouldn?t encroach on the other?s territory.
PakPassion.net: You recently worked with the PCB to be part of the commitee to find a new Head Coach, does that mean you will be willing to take a long-term role too if you are offered?
Ramiz Raja: Cricket commentary is my career, I cannot leave it now. I have no plans to join the administration but you know I?ve already offered the PCB that whenever they require anything from me. As an ex-Test player, any suggestions or whatever they want me to do, I will be able to do it quite agreeably, absolutely.
PakPassion.net: Do you still see Abdul Razzaq as a vital component of the T20/ODI team?
Ramiz Raja: You see our problem is that we have got to encourage young talent. People will ask that if Abdul Razzaq is playing for Pakistan then why not Azhar Mahmood, who is very active in the international domestic circuit. So we should try to ? especially in one day cricket ? encourage young people and talent, and while Abdul Razzaq may still be advantageous to Pakistan, I think there should be a replacement for him too.
PakPassion.net: In regards to Shoaib Malik?s future in the Pakistan team, do you think Asad Shafiq?s chances are being hampered by his presence?
Ramiz Raja: No I do not think so, both work differently, as one is an all-rounder and the other is a specialist batsman. Shoaib Malik gives you an advantage in the field. I think we need to give him some confidence, because it?s not easy coming back after being sidelined for such a long time and having your career under pressure. Especially in one day cricket, as chances are slim in the middle order as you have to come in and get going at a faster pace. So again, if we think that we have some need for him in the team then we should use him, otherwise we need to create a ready replacement as with Abdul Razzaq so new blood can come into the team.
PakPassion.net: Afridi publicly thanked you in a post-match ceremony, can you tell us what you had said to him?
Ramiz Raja: Basically whenever I see him I just encourage him. You see, Afridi is a perfect advertisement for Pakistani cricket, because that is how we should be perceived as a cricket nation - aggressive but not unpredictable and with flair.
Afridi is a headline-grabber and a head turner with his performance and his talent. He may disappoint you as well but when he is on song then he?s the best intentional advertisement for Pakistan cricket, so I just try to give him a dose of encouragement and impress on him how good he is and how good he can be.
PakPassion.net: Azhar Ali is another fantastic find for Pakistan, your opinion on him? Should he be tried in the limited overs formats?
Ramiz Raja: I think we should, he is a very fine talent. If he can perform well in Test cricket then it becomes very easy to use him in the other formats, especially in ODIs. It?s a good chance to groom him, as his name is coming up in the dressing room chat as a potential leader as well. So if you are willing to give him so much importance as an individual, I think it?s time to introduce him in the one-day formats.
He should bat up the order, maybe open the innings you know, as he bats at number 3 so it will be much easier for him to make the transition from number 3 to opener.
