LAHORE: Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja alleged the Indian cricket board, influenced by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been trying to restrict Pakistan’s international cricket presence.
In a speech at Government College University in Lahore, Raja stated that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is heavily influenced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) due to the majority of its revenue coming from India.
He emphasized that during his tenure as PCB chief, he took a stance for Pakistan against India’s alleged pressure to change the venue for the Asia Cup, which was originally slated to be hosted by Pakistan.
Raja, who served as PCB chief for little over a year, also claimed that he focused on growth and consistency during his tenure, criticizing the recent overhaul of the board’s structure, calling it unfair and demoralizing for young players.
He added that the restoration of the PCB’s 2014 constitution has brought Pakistani cricket to a “dark age”, and that the new setup has reneged on its promise to provide employment, leading to the firing of over 150 coaches.
Also, he mentioned on wicket-keeper batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed’s benching during his era, he said that Sarfaraz was always part of the Test setup, but the playing eleven was always picked by the coach and captain.
While discussing match-fixing in cricket, Raja called players involved in it “traitors” and said that he does not have any respect for them and from an era where 9 players were fighting for the win and two were just playing around.
Patrick Reed hits a shot out of the rough at the Hong Kong Open. — AFPHONG KONG: Former Masters champion Patrick...
A representational image showing a swimmer in a pool. — Pexels/FileLAHORE: The Pakistan Swimming Federation on...
France midfielder Paul Pogba. — AFP/filePARIS: Six men linked to Juventus and France midfielder Paul Pogba face...
Australia's Elvis Smylie celebrates after winning the Australian PGA Championship in Brisbane. — AFP/fileBRISBANE:...
Sporting Lisbon's Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim gestures on the sidelines during the UEFA Europa league quarter final...
Joaquin Correa and Marcus Thuram. — AFP/fileVERONA, Italy: Serie A´s leading scorer Mateo Retegui netted as...