Ramiz Raja questions Masood’s captaincy after Pakistan Test series loss to Bangladesh

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has expressed deep concern about Pakistan’s cricketing future following the team’s disappointing series defeat to Bangladesh. 

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Raja praised Bangladesh for their performance, stating that they were "brilliant in all the departments and miles ahead of Pakistan."

Raja didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Pakistan team and the PCB's handling of the situation.

"By the way, I would like to thank Pakistan for the record defeat. I don't know how Pakistan cricket will uplift again. In the current situation, only a miracle can help, as England are about to touchdown Pakistan to play a three-match Test series. Pakistan cannot bear any other disaster," Raja said.

The former chairman was particularly scathing about the team’s leadership and performance. He questioned Shan Masood's role as captain.

"Shan Masood has to give the answers because he is spearheading the side. It's the job of the leader to win the matches for his side. Shan Masood had made fumbles on many accounts," he further added.

Raja pointed out that while Masood's captaincy and the young bowling attack might be factors, it’s crucial for the team leader to deliver on the field.

"I agree with the point that he is still a captain and the bowling attack is young. But it was Shan who had decided to go with that young bowling attack. Shan knew where Pakistan was standing in terms of the fitness issues," he said.

Furthermore, Raja questioned the future of Test cricket in the country. 

"Who is going to watch Pakistan cricket in the red-ball format?. When world-class cricket is being served on the channels, why will viewers watch Pakistan cricket? Do people watch Pakistan cricket to embrace disappointment?" Raja questioned.

Raja concluded with a call for urgent changes.

"You need to change the strategy in hurricane efforts. Maybe, you cannot change the captain right now. But it is a must to change the strategy and pick up the best players, who have good technique. It is not necessary that those who are performing in first-class cricket will generate the same results in international cricket," he concluded.