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29 March 2024

World wants to see 'iconic' India-Pakistan cricket series, says Rameez Raja

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By Allaam Ousman

Former Pakistan captain Rameez Raja believes the cricket world should witness an "iconic" contest between India and Pakistan.

“It should happen. It must happen. It’s an iconic contest India-Pakistan. Why should not the world see it. It improves the overall stature of the game. There are more eyeballs whenever India and Pakistan play,” said Rameez, a Pakistan World Cup winner.

The cricket boards of India (BCCI) and Pakistan (PCB) failed to resolve a stalemate to revive the bilateral series between the two Asian giants at a meeting in Dubai on Sunday.

Pakistan and India are due to play a series of two Tests, five one-dayers and two Twenty20 internationals in December-January, the first of six that they agreed to play under a Memorandum of Understanding signed last year - all subject to clearance from the respective governments.

The series was to be held in UAE with Pakistan expecting a revenue of $50 million (five billion rupees).

But the BCCI derailed Pakistan's plans by refusing to play in the UAE and suggesting it be held in India, which the PCB refused.

In another development, Sri Lanka has emerged as the likely neutral venue for a shortened series of five ODIs and two T20 internationals.

The two countries have not played a full series against each other since 2007, though Pakistan toured India for a short series in December 2012 but that failed to pave the way for the resumption of full Tests.

“I think we need to resolve all our issues and let the game begin,” said Rameez who was speaking on the sidelines of the launch of Future Legends Cricket Academy in Dubai along with former Sri Lanka captain Aravinda de Silva.

Rameez was at a loss to understand Pakistan's loss to England in the one-dayers after winning the Test series in the UAE.

“I think we are struggling in one-dayers and it is very strange because our ‘dna’ constitutes of one-day cricket. We are surprising ourselves by winning Test matches and losing one-dayers,” said the former Pakistan opening batsman.

“In the last five or six years, we have always been known as a side that would beat anybody in a one-day game or T20 games. But not anymore. I think we are still playing the cricket of the 80s or early 90s. It’s a throwback to the 80s where you conserve wickets and be a little bit careful to the approach and all that kind of stuff,” said Rameez.

Pakistan conceded the ODI series 3-1 with their batsmen failing to fire chasing down huge targets made by England.

“I think we need to move on,” said Rameez defending the team selections.

“They (selectors) are trying their best to find the right combination. It’s just that the concept has got to change and evolve not only at the top tier here when these players come and play for Pakistan, but also at the domestic level. That’s very important

He also did not subscribe to calls for removal of head coach Waqar Younis and ODI captain Azhar Ali.

“We shouldn’t jump the gun. I think Pakistan’s success in Test cricket has been because they have been very consistent with their decision making.They had Misbah ul Haq for a very long time and see the results,” said Rameez who is growing in stature as a commentator.