Former PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja criticized the sudden removal of Shaheen Shah Afridi from the captaincy, emphasizing the importance of consulting him beforehand. Raja, drawing from his own experience, highlighted the potential negative impact of such decisions on players’ morale and focus. He voiced his support for Afridi, praising his match-winning abilities.
Regarding the Pakistan squad, Raja cautioned against extensive experimentation with the ICC World T20 Cup approaching. He advocated for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan as openers, lauding Azam’s leadership skills and team cohesion. Raja suggested playing warm-up matches in the United States before the World Cup and recommended including three fast bowlers in the squad. When asked about Mohammad Amir, Raja advised focusing on cricket rather than engaging in controversies.