India favourites, but anything can happen in a one-off game, says ex-Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja
Former Pakistan captain and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), RAMIZ RAJA, who knows the nation’s cricket inside out, spoke to BORIA MAJUMDAR about all things ailing Pakistan cricket and if they can challenge India in Dubai today. Excerpts:
A strong Pakistan team, one that can challenge India, is needed for a good contest. But their recent performances, including the last match against New Zealand, have been disappointing. Do you think this team will be able to give India at least a fight?
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I am disappointed. Every Pakistan fan will echo the same sentiment. And it is not the first time that we lost to New Zealand. We have lost to them three times in the last fifteen days. That’s what tells you we are not learning from our mistakes and that’s the most worrying thing for me. Coming to Sunday, I do believe Pakistan can do it. This is not just another game. It is a game against India. Call it the political baggage that this contest carries or whichever way you want to describe it, the truth is it is a platform where someone can achieve greatness. All you need to do is perform in this one game. Stand up and be counted and you will be hailed as a hero. I am not once saying India aren’t favourites. They are but in a one-off game like this, anything can happen. That’s what Pakistan should believe and go into the game.
Babar Azam was once compared with Virat Kohli. What’s the issue with him you reckon?
I will say two things. First is the weight of expectations coupled with a poor run of form. That’s weighing him down. Second and more importantly, he
