Don't know where our cricket is going: Rameez

Image
Press Trust of India Karachi
Last Updated : May 02 2015 | 9:22 PM IST
Disappointed at the team's dismal showing against Bangladesh in the ongoing series, cricketer-turned-commentator Rameez Raja said that Pakistan cricket has slipped into depression after the side's misfortunes continued in the Test matches as well.
After being whitewashed in the 3-match ODI series and the one-off T20, Pakistan failed to defeat Bangladesh in the first Test, which ended in a high-scoring draw.
"It is depressing that our team allowed Bangladesh to score over 550 runs in the second innings after taking a nearly 300 runs lead in the first innings of the Test," Rameez said today.
Pakistan managed to score 628 in reply to Bangladesh's first innings score of 332 in Khulna, but the hosts fought back with 555 for six in the third innings of the Khulna Test. It's the first time in nine Tests that Pakistan have failed to defeat Bangladesh.
"I just don't know where our cricket is going. If we can't beat Bangladesh in a Test where are we headed. If this trend continues than who will want to watch or invite our team to play. It will hurt Pakistan cricket brand," Rameez said on Geo News channel from India.
The former opener, who has remained CEO of the Pakistan cricket board in 2003 and 2004, said he had never seen such a listless bowling performance from Pakistani bowlers in all his years.
"Look Bangladesh has improved their cricket and their approach is also different but if our bowlers can't put them under pressure even with a 300 runs lead than what can they do. The way they (Bangladesh) batted in the second innings it should be an eye opener for our cricket," he added.
Referring to the verbal duel and finger wagging incident between Shakib ul Hasan and Wahab Riaz on the final day of the Test, the former Test captain said sarcastically that such a day had to come when Bangladesh players were looking eye to eye with Pakistani players.
"They got a boost from the World Cup and they are building on that in contrast our cricket is going nowhere and you are not seeing any urgency or desire to do well in our team."
He made it clear that Pakistan cricket had to quickly start looking for fresh talent as no amount of coaching or planning would bear any results.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: May 02 2015 | 9:22 PM IST

Next Story