Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja has slammed Shoaib Akhtar for his remarks on Pakistan’s current all-format skipper Babar Azam.
Speaking to a local news channel, Akhtar launched a scathing attack on Babar for not being able to improve his oratory skills. The ex-speedster claimed that Babar has failed to become the biggest brand in Pakistan because of his poor English.
Reacting to his comments, Ramiz called Shoaib a "delusional superstar", adding that it is more important to become a human first than a brand.
"Shoaib Akhtar is a delusional superstar. He also had an issue recently with Kamran Akmal. He wants everyone to become a brand, but it is more important to become a human first. First, become a human and then a brand. Our former players degrade our cricket brand by giving delusional statements. You will never see that happening in our neighbouring country. You will never see Sunil Gavaskar criticizing Rahul Dravid. It only happens in Pakistan, where former players don't let others do their job professionally," Raja said on Bol News.
On being asked about Shoaib Akhtar’s goal to serve Pakistan cricket by becoming the PCB chairman, Ramiz bluntly said that the Rawalpindi Express first need to get a degree.
"He needs to get a graduate degree first in order to become eligible for the chairmanship of PCB," Raja added.
Shoaib Akhtar represented Pakistan in 46 Tests, 163 ODIs and 15 T20Is, claiming 178, 247 and 19 wickets respectively.
After his retirement in 2011, Akhtar has become a cricket expert, sharing his views on YouTube channel and other media outlets. He often becomes the talk of the town with his outspoken statements.