Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2023 campaign came to an end on Thursday (September 14) with a two-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in the Super-4 clash at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
The members of the Pakistan cricket fraternity are reacting strongly in the aftermath of the national team’s ouster from the continental tournament.
Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja has also expressed his disappointment over the team’s abysmal display in the ongoing Asia Cup.
According to Ramiz, the Men in Green looked scared against Sri Lanka and also claimed they are yet to recover from the hammering given by India.
“The massive defeat against India has given a psychological dent to Pakistan. They seemed to carry that loss in this match as well. They looked timid and scared and failed to close out the game. Babar Azam and top order looked over-cautious. They lacked authority,” Ramiz said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.
Ramiz also questioned the selection of under-fire opener Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam’s captaincy.
“Fakhar Zaman is a walking wicket nowadays. His body language is looking shocking. I think Fakhar should himself refuse to play.
“On a slower track, Babar has struggled, barring one or two innings. He needs to step up as captain as well. He should take authoritative decisions,” he stated.
On the eve of the match against Sri Lanka, Pakistan announced their playing XI and Imam-ul-Haq and Saud Shakeel were part of it. On the match day, however, Imam and Saud were excluded from the line-up due to back spasm and fever respectively.
Citing a story from 1992 World Cup, Ramiz Raja lamented Imam-ul-Haq and Saud Shakeel’s absence from Pakistan’s XI.
“In the morning of the match, Inzi refused to play in the semifinals. He couldn’t sleep. He was having a stomach issue. He was forced to play and was told there is no other option. He turned up and played a gem of a knock. Half-fit players should take risks if they want to become great players,” he remarked.
Here’s the video:
Sri Lanka and India will now square off in the final of the Asia Cup 2023, scheduled to be held in Colombo on September 17.
