Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja urged the Green Shirts to consider making two changes in their T20 World Cup 2024 match against India which will be played at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Raja, who served as the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for two years, raised several questions about the playing XI Pakistan will field against India saying that they have much to think about.
He talked about wicketkeeper batter Azam Khan, who has been under severe criticism due to his subpar performances saying that his best position is behind the wicket otherwise you cannot hide him.
“I believe that Azam Khan has burned out. There is so much pressure on him and I think that if he is not keeping, then it is not good to hide him in fielding because every player has an ego. If he slips during fielding then they change his position which is not good because his best position is behind the wicket,” Raja said talking on his YouTube channel.
He urged to include Saim Ayub in the playing XI while questioning Usman Khan’s temperament and technique to play on the tricky New York pitch.
“You need freshness against India and that can come from the bench. Saim Ayub can play. If Imad Wasim is coming then he has to play because he is handy with the ball as well. I believe that Pakistan need to make at least one change definitely,” he said.
“We also have to think about Usman Khan. How is his temperament? Usually, he looks fine temperamentally but in terms of technique, on this pitch where the ball bounces unexpectedly, we need to determine if his technique is good enough to play on such a pitch. I believe that one change is necessary and Saim should play because he can also be utilised to bowl one to two overs as well.”
The former chairman of PCB also believed that Abrar Ahmed could be a vital option if Pakistan wanted to be dominant with the ball.
"Abrar Ahmed can be included [in the playing XI]. You have to take a chance, you have to take wickets to put pressure. Even if you score 120-125 runs while batting first, even then you would be in the game but for that, you would need options and Abrar can be that option and you can also bench a fast bowler," he added.
