Ramiz Raja Addresses Critics: “My Intentions Were Misinterpreted”

Ex-PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja Responds to Criticism Over Interview with Shan Masood

Rawalpindi-(Mudassar Iqbal): Ramiz Raja, former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has addressed the backlash surrounding his recent interview with Pakistan’s Test captain, Shan Masood.

The interview, which took place after Pakistan’s Test series against England, was conducted alongside Zainab Abbas and stirred controversy, particularly due to Raja’s questioning of Masood’s leadership amid a challenging series. Under Masood’s captaincy, Pakistan initially struggled, losing six games in a row before achieving a historic comeback with a home series win, the first in over 1,300 days, led by spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali.

During the interview, Raja asked Masood, “How did you achieve this, six losses in a row?” This question was seen by many as poorly timed, coming at a moment meant to celebrate the team’s success. Critics, including former players like Mohammad Amir, argued that Raja’s approach was dismissive of Masood’s accomplishments. The criticism quickly spread on social media, with many calling Raja’s tone inappropriate and belittling.

In response, Raja clarified on his YouTube channel that his intention was never to demean Masood or diminish the team’s victory. “My goal was not to disrespect anyone or to cast Pakistan’s victory in a negative light,” he explained. He emphasized that Pakistan’s wins are vital for the broader cricket community, as they create more opportunities in the sport.

“The more Pakistan wins, the more doors open within the cricketing world,” Raja stated.

Expressing frustration over the backlash, Raja dismissed the influence of social media narratives, remarking, “If I lived by social media’s perspective, I wouldn’t be in this field.” He also criticized the “uninformed opinions” of individuals who, despite lacking direct cricketing experience, position themselves as authorities on the subject.

Reflecting on his stance, Raja stated, “When Bangladesh won 2-0, I didn’t call for anyone’s removal. So why would I question Shan’s captaincy after a series win?”

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