Ramiz Raja Elected Pakistan Cricket Board President

Former cricketer Ramiz Raja has been officially appointed as Pakistan Cricket Board’s 36th chairman for a three-year term, the country’s cricket body announced on Monday. After his appointment the former batsman said that he will work to ensure Pakistan cricket thrives and grows stronger. “I am thankful to all of you for electing me as the PCB Chairman and look forward to working with you to ensure Pakistan cricket continues to thrive and grow stronger, both on and off-the-field,” Ramiz Raja was quoted as saying in a PCB media release.

“One of my key focuses will be to help introduce in the Pakistan men’s cricket team the same culture, mind-set, attitude and approach that once made Pakistan one of the most feared cricket playing nations,” said the former Pakistan batsman.

Mr Ramiz Raja has been elected unanimously and unopposed as Pakistan Cricket Board’s 36th Chairman for a three-year term in a Special Meeting presided over by PCB Election Commissioner, Mr Justice (retd) Sheikh Azmat Saeed.

More details: https://t.co/IIQDsUS2U9 pic.twitter.com/MMFAc8thnk

— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) September 13, 2021

In his first press conference, Raja announced that former Australia captain Matthew Hayden had been appointed head coach and former South African Vernon Philander put in charge of the bowling for the national team for the Twenty20 World Cup.

“I think Hayden will bring an Australian touch of aggression in the Pakistan team and I personally know Philander who can also bring a positive change,” said Raja.

Hayden replaces Misbah-ul-Haq as head coach while Philander takes over from Waqar Younis — who both stepped down last week citing personal reasons and mental stress as a result of the Covid bio-secure environment surrounding fixtures and tours.

Promoted

The 59-year-old became only the fourth Pakistan international cricketer to lead PCB after Ijaz Butt, Javed Burki and Abdul Hafeez Kardar.

(With AFP inputs)