Ramiz Raja�s prescription for PCB

Mohammad Amir�s inclusion in Pakistan squad

AGENCIES, LAHORE : Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja believes the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has “rushed the issue” by including Mohammad Amir in the ODI and T20 squads for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Raja said he would have liked to see more “homework done” before integrating Amir into the national set-up after his ban for spot-fixing ended.
“It’s a desperate situation because they want to win and Amir is seen as the guy who can get them those wins,” Ramiz said. “He has got loads of talent and ability; that has never been in doubt. But yes, the process has been rushed just to accommodate him and I think Pakistan needed to give more time to the entire squad to soak it in.
“I think there is the objective view and the emotional view and three-four of the players have been rather emotional about the subject. It is not Amir, it is the theme, the larger picture that seems to upset them and it needed to heal properly; it is still pretty raw to some of them. I wanted more homework done from the board to make everyone realise the importance of an Amir comeback.”
While sympathizing with Azhar for his stance, Ramiz argued that statements such as the ones made by T20 captain Shahid Afridi, who said he was “happy” to have Amir back in the mix, should be avoided as it could create divisions within the dressing room.
“PCB has taken a stance on Amir, he has been included, so there shouldn’t be voices now anti or for Amir,” Ramiz said. “He’s eligible to play for Pakistan, let him perform and get into rhythm. By coming out openly in favour of Amir, you are dividing the dressing room also because there are still voices that do not want him in. I would suggest let’s not plead Amir’s case if you are player, just go out there, play with him, try to get along with him and leave it there.
“It is a tough one for Azhar Ali, who obviously was not comfortable with Amir being in the dressing room. Now that he has decided to play for Pakistan, I think he has done the right thing. He has registered his annoyance; he has made his point felt. The entire cricket fraternity knows where he is with regard to issues of spot fixing but having said that he shouldn’t sacrifice his own career. Managing Amir will take a little bit of time, it is not an impossible situation.
“They need to come to grips with a guy who has got them into these negative headlines. You play for honour, pride and enjoyment. If these three things go missing, then obviously you shouldn’t be playing the game. That’s the big hurdle that some of these Pakistani guys really need to cross over.”

Ramiz Raja�s prescription for PCB

Mohammad Amir�s inclusion in Pakistan squad

AGENCIES, LAHORE : Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja believes the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rushed the issue by including Mohammad Amir in the ODI and T20 squads for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Raja said he would have liked to see more homework done before integrating Amir into the national set-up after his ban for spot-fixing ended. Its a desperate situation because they want to win and Amir is seen as the guy who can get them those wins, Ramiz said. He has got loads of talent and ability; that has never been in doubt. But yes, the process has been rushed just to accommodate him and I think Pakistan needed to give more time to the entire squad to soak it in. I think there is the objective view and the emotional view and three-four of the players have been rather emotional about the subject. It is not Amir, it is the theme, the larger picture that seems to upset them and it needed to heal properly; it is still pretty raw to some of them. I wanted more homework done from the board to make everyone realise the importance of an Amir comeback. While sympathizing with Azhar for his stance, Ramiz argued that statements such as the ones made by T20 captain Shahid Afridi, who said he was happy to have Amir back in the mix, should be avoided as it could create divisions within the dressing room. PCB has taken a stance on Amir, he has been included, so there shouldnt be voices now anti or for Amir, Ramiz said. Hes eligible to play for Pakistan, let him perform and get into rhythm. By coming out openly in favour of Amir, you are dividing the dressing room also because there are still voices that do not want him in. I would suggest lets not plead Amirs case if you are player, just go out there, play with him, try to get along with him and leave it there. It is a tough one for Azhar Ali, who obviously was not comfortable with Amir being in the dressing room. Now that he has decided to play for Pakistan, I think he has done the right thing. He has registered his annoyance; he has made his point felt. The entire cricket fraternity knows where he is with regard to issues of spot fixing but having said that he shouldnt sacrifice his own career. Managing Amir will take a little bit of time, it is not an impossible situation. They need to come to grips with a guy who has got them into these negative headlines. You play for honour, pride and enjoyment. If these three things go missing, then obviously you shouldnt be playing the game. Thats the big hurdle that some of these Pakistani guys really need to cross over.