Since the formation of Pakistan, like other sports, cricket has played an important role in improving the soft image of Pakistan in the world. It should be noted that the Pakistan Cricket Board was established on May 1, 1949, and Pakistan’s accession to the ICC was on July 28, 1952, while at the regional level, it was affiliated to the Asian Cricket Council on September 19, 1983. The Pakistan Cricket Team played its first Test in October 1952.  Pakistan played against India in India. Ramiz Raja was the 35th chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board. In each period, the head of the cricket board tried to develop Pakistan cricket according to the time and conditions. But no one could escape from criticism and accusations. It has been seen more and more often that those who used to criticize the work of the board by staying outside the board, but when they got a position in the board, they did not manage the affairs the way which they expressed their coins earlier.

The same thing is happening even today, the culture of our country regarding sports is such that the government that comes here makes the head of the cricket board a person who is of the same mind or compatible with its ideals.  And there is no dearth of professionals, but nobody tolerates anyone here, due to which, instead of getting sorted out like in other fields, cricket gets confused as usual. It should be remembered that just a few days ago, Najam Sethi has once again emerged as the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board and Rameez Raja has been dismissed as the chairman of the PCB. With each passing day, the accusations and criticisms against each other continue between the two personalities. Time will decide who is wrong and who is right, but such statements will not only harm cricket, rather Pakistan is being trolled in cricket circles abroad. Not only this, Rameez Raja went a step further and made statements against the sports journalist, on which the Pakistan Sports Writers Federation condemned Rameez Raja’s statement and asked him to withdraw the statement.

It is a fact that a 15 months ago today, when Ramiz Raja became the PCB Chairman, he was greeted enthusiastically by various quarters and it was believed that he would build Pakistan cricket on the right footing as well as regarding the national team, such steps will be taken on the basis of which the Pakistan cricket team will be on the path of success. The general perception about Rameez Raja at that time was that he was a good cricketer, well educated, debater and commentator who traveled all over the world, so he would use his relationship with various cricket board officials and players for the betterment of Pakistan cricket. When he took over the position, he seemed very enthusiastic about developing cricket in Pakistan, he talked about importing drop-in pitches from Australia, especially the best pitches for Pakistani players, but he did not take steps to do so and got unable implement it. Ramiz Raja played a very important role in persuading the New Zealand and England teams to play the series in Pakistan again. The Pakistan Junior League introduced by him was an expensive project but three players from the junior league have been included in the current national team. This is an acknowledgment that Ramiz Raja’s decision to have a junior league was right. The franchise was financially profitable for the first time in the PSL held during his tenure, while he also increased the pensions of former players. But on the other hand, the general impression about him was that he was committing a one man show. The surprise happened when he sat on the media and criticized the media, due to which his positive image was affected.  What happened is that 15 months ago, when he held his first press conference after becoming the chairman, he clearly said that he will remain the chairman as long as there is a government and when this government is gone, he will leave at the same time. But after leaving the government, he did not leave the position. Not only this but after Najam Sethi became the chairman of PCB, he surprisingly failed to show the passion and compassion that was expected from him. He showed an aggressive attitude while making it a target for criticism. On the other hand, Najam Sethi, in response to the question of the journalists during the press conference, said regarding Rameez Raja that he will not stop him from commentary and also will not say anything against him.

Rameez Raja seemed quite disappointed in Tadam Tahrir, he said that there is a way to send home, it is sent with respect.  Talking to social media, he said that, “In Pakistan cricket, people attack from outside. The entire constitution has been changed to bring in Najam Sethi. It happens only in Pakistan that the constitution is changed for political recruitment. Politics should not interfere in the cricket board. Najam Sethi has come to PCB for being Chaudhary, he has nothing to do with cricket. He has never hold a bat.  I have played test cricket. He is tweeting at 2:15 am that Rameez Raja is out. Congratulate me. Cricket is the game of cricketers and the playing field.” Ramiz Raja said that these achievements do not come easily, making too many changes will affect the unity of the team.

Irrespective of all these issues, Najam Sethi will face tough challenges to improve the affairs of cricket, Najam Sethi may be the chairman of the cricket board for many years to come or may be for a long time in the current political uncertainty of the country couldn’t get a chance to work. Thus, he have to make every decision carefully.  There is no doubt that his experience, ability and now understanding of cricket is more than others.  However, his role in developing PSL has been prominent. It is also a fact that efforts to organize the league in Pakistan continued even during the era of Ejaz Butt, Zaka Ashraf and Shahryar Khan. Although the first event of PSL was launched during the era of Zaka Ashraf, however, PSL is in front of everyone in the form of a successful brand. Najam Sethi will try to bring his people on several positions. There is already an experienced personality in the management committee named as Shakeel Sheikh. He (Shakeel Sheikh) has vast experience in cricket at the grass root level. It is also worth noting here that the positive attitude adopted by Najam Sethi during his initial press conference has left a good impression in cricket circles. After all there is lot of work to do for the development of cricket. He must make changes in the board as needed but avoid making too many changes on whim. Hope their decisions will help in reducing the anxiety in cricket and their experience will help Pakistan cricket and will lead to development.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 02 2023

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