Instilling fearlessness and giving Babar Azam power has made Pakistan team positive- Ramiz Raja

Raja lauded Pakistan team on their performance in T20 World Cup 2021 and against Bangladesh.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja said empowering skipper Babar Azam and instilling a fearless approach has helped Pakistan cap off a successful two-month tour of the United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh.

Pakistan remained unbeaten in the league stage of the T20 World Cup 2021, including a maiden victory over arch-rivals India in the World Cup history and then defeated Bangladesh in the two-Test series in their own home.

“I want to emphasize on the fact that leadership matters. When you empower a leader and give him confidence then he starts to own everything; from decisions, team, performances to disasters. He becomes brave! His position is stable and he gets clarity.

I told Babar Azam and the team not to worry about results, especially before the India match. As I had said 'I want to fix Pakistan cricket's GPS', it meant empowering the captain and instilling fearless cricket, which is why you are seeing a positive change in the team's outlook," Raja told PCB digital.

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Pakistan’s only loss in the T20 World Cup 2021 came against Australia in the semi-finals, while wins in the two Tests saw Pakistan gain 24 crucial ICC World Test Championship points.

"The Pakistan team has displayed wonderful cricket in Bangladesh, and I want to congratulate them for that. In terms of cricket, Bangladesh is a tough destination, because they curate pitches on which they nullify and neutralize big sides. They have a firm grip on the spin department and they also play it very well.

We must appreciate Pakistan for not losing the focus after the T20 World Cup and for their swift shift from the T20 to Test format. In the end, the results were outstanding. The dressing room atmosphere is good and everyone is playing for Pakistan in this side,” Raja said further.

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The former Pakistan captain also said that the national team is no longer unpredictable and is becoming more consistent.

"This is what Pakistan's cricket is; they create drama, they have unlimited potential, but they only lack consistency. But, now, we are seeing them becoming consistent … We have strong and challenging series coming up. I welcome West Indies to Pakistan, we have great form in T20Is, and are a mid-tier team in the ODIs as we are ranked fifth. As a mid-tier team, you can do a lot of experimentation. And after the HBL PSL, we have Australia coming,” he signed off.

(PTI inputs)