Ramiz Raja takes aim at Pakistan team's think tank at 'phobia' over strike-rate

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has expressed his concerns regarding the phobia over strike rate within the team's think tank which contributed to their disheartening 4-1 loss against New Zealand in the recently concluded five-match T20I series.

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Raja questioned the basis on which this apprehension has taken root, especially given the limited options available to the team.

He emphasized the importance of new players understanding the need to give themselves a chance and develop a relatively risk-free batting style to enhance their strike rate. 

"The phobia of strike rate that has gripped the think tank of this team is something I don't understand. It's not clear to me on what basis they have developed this fear of strike rate when you know that your options are limited. Even the new players don't seem to understand that they need to give themselves a chance and develop a somewhat risk-free batting style to improve their strike rate, because good teams will put pressure on you and get you out," Ramiz Raja said.

Highlighting the fundamental role of partnerships in any format of the game, the former cricketer underscored that playing smartly, considering the situation, and assessing it are crucial aspects of player development. 

"Partnerships are a fundamental aspect, whether it is any format of the game, they remain the same. The benefit of partnerships is that playing intelligently, keeping the situation in mind, and assessing it is how players are made. In a way, in this circuit, game awareness is required, and you need to harness your potential to understand what you can or cannot do." he said.

The 61-year-old praised Saim Ayub's efforts in a low-scoring period but expressed confidence concerns. He also questioned Azam Khan's role, advocating for a balanced approach that combines aggressive hitting with strategic adaptability based on the match situation.

"Saim Ayub is a great example in front of you, where he attempted to take off in the phase where he wasn't scoring, he tried to change the game, but then his confidence shattered. Similarly, there's Azam Khan; his role is not yet defined for me and I don't understand whether he's just hitting sixes in the middle order or if he needs to take his batting forward while keeping the situation in mind. These players are wasting their potential," he concluded.