Iconic Pakistan-India encounter should happen: Ramiz Raja

Cricketer convert commentator says the contest improves the overall stature of the game

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja believes Pakistan and India should play a series against each other as they present the world with an ‘iconic’ encounter.

“It should happen. It must happen. It’s an iconic contest India-Pakistan,” said Ramiz.



“Why should the world not see it. It improves the overall stature of the game. There are more eyeballs whenever India and Pakistan play.”

Pakistan and Indian cricket board heads met in Dubai on Sunday to resolve the series issue but the meeting resulted in nothing but a statement from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shahryar Khan that England and Wales Cricket  Board president Giles Clarke will further shed light on the meeting.

Later, PCB wrote a letter to the Pakistan government asking for their permission on the series which is being reported to be played between December 20 and January 3 in Sri Lanka.



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.

Earlier, Pakistan wanted to host the Indian team in the UAE while Board of Control for Cricket in India president Shashank Manohar said that they would like to host their neighbours themselves.

Pakistan did not agree to go to India as the series was supposed to be their home series.

Clarke facilitated the talks between both the nations in the recent meeting in Dubai and as a result Sri Lanka has been confirmed as a venue.



“I think we need to resolve all our issues and let the game begin,” said Ramiz, 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.

Ramiz, meanwhile, was baffled by Pakistan’s under average performance in the ODIs.

“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.



Pakistan were outsmarted by England in the ODI series 3-1 when Eoin Morgan led his side back to victory from being 1-0 down.

“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

Ramiz also said that Pakistan head coach Waqar Younis and ODI captain Azhar Ali need time to settle and should not be subjected to pressure.

“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 Misbahul Haq for a very long time and see the results,” said Ramiz.