Cricket News

‘Someone has snatched a toy from a kid’ – Former Pakistan cricketer bashes Ramiz Raja for his reaction after being snubbed as PCB chief

Former Pakistani cricketer Salman Butt has expressed his displeasure with Ramiz Raja‘s statement after being snubbed as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman. In recent times, Pakistan cricket has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, as Raja was removed as PCB chairman and Najam Sethi was reappointed as chairman after the board reinstated the old constitution overnight.

Interestingly, several former cricketers were pleased with Raja’s dismissal, as Sethi made a dig at Raja after becoming PCB chairman. Raja did not mince words when he stated that Sethi and his team have no cricketing knowledge and do not want Pakistani cricket to improve. The former Pakistan captain also claimed that the entire Constitution was altered to allow Sethi to lead the PCB.

Butt believes Raja was fortunate that he was not removed overnight, but his recent antics have left a bitter taste, and he should not have reacted in this manner. “Ramiz Raja was lucky that the new government allowed him to work for several months after coming to power,” Butt said. “Not only did they not remove him straight away, but they also supported him. There had been talks about Ramiz’s removal. It did not happen overnight. I think his recent comments have left a bitter taste.”

“People have been sacked before too, but nobody has ever reacted this way after being removed. It’s like someone has snatched a toy from a kid’s hand. He should not be making such statements and needs to show some grace. He should consider doing commentary now,” Butt added.

There needs to be peace: Salman Butt

The former opener also suggested that Raja’s recent comments had an impact on the Pakistan team’s recent performance, as they lost the Test series to England and are now struggling against New Zealand.

“The team’s recent performances and the comments made by Ramiz Raja have damaged Pakistani cricket. He should accept it gracefully. There needs to be peace. How long are we going to keep fighting amongst ourselves?” he added.

Butt also stated that while Raja was PCB chairman, he did not do enough for Pakistan at the grassroots level. “Ramiz has done a lot of good things during his tenure, and we must thank him for that. However, while he increased the salaries of the players, he didn’t do enough at the grassroots level,” he said.