Zimbabwe marked their Test return after a six-year self-imposed exile with a win against Bangladesh before clinching the One-Day International series 3-2.
But Raja said that Pakistan lost the favourites’ tag after including too many new faces.
“Pakistan are no more the favourites,” said Raja. “The new players in the team are going to be under pressure and this is why both sides are on equal footing.”
The former batsman added the team was already rebuilding and the induction of young faces was risky.
“The induction of one or two players was more suitable. Pakistan aren’t in a position to experiment. The team’s performance would now depend on these new players.”
Pleased at Malik’s return
Meanwhile, Raja was pleased after Shoaib Malik earned a recall for the Zimbabwe series.
“The integrity committee’s scrutiny of his accounts would surely be on his mind but I believe he’s lucky to have a chance against a weaker side.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 31st, 2011.
COMMENTS (7)
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@Asad: I agree with you 100%. Malik has been the "problem" in Pakistani team for several years and he should be kept far away. R. Raja has given his honest opinion and it is not a crime to tell like it is. Thanks and regards, Mirza
This man seems to derive pleasure from constantly running the Pakistan team down- with an eye on the next lucrative commentating contract
ppl have lost interest in cricket.. With lala ( afridi) gone.. Ijaz but still there anyone or anything thats dieing ..its cricket.. thank God for Football..united for life..
we dont forget that Zims beat India in last tour in odi series...so anythng can happen...hoping it wuld be a gud series...
Rameez Raja is correct.
Oh cmon Raja isn't it an over exaggeration ...
Our batting is eternally hopeless regardless of the quality of opposition or playing conditions, even with the experienced but over-the-hill Younis and Misbah. Resting Gul and Riaz is a mistake that will result in embarassment at the hands of fast improving Zimbabwe. I'm not sure if Malik's inclusion will be a boon or bane. He's an average player but a far more disruptive and troublesome character to have in the team. And like every one else, his eyes will already be set on the coveted captaincy.