Pakistan pacers' speeds have decreased, so have their skill sets: Ramiz Raja

Ramiz Raja has openly criticised Pakistan’s current pace unit, saying their “skill sets and speeds have decreased” in recent times. The former captain and PCB chief made these comments after Pakistan lost the first Test against Bangladesh by 10 wickets. 

Pakistan didn’t go with any frontline spinner and the seamers failed to do the job, allowing Bangladesh to amass 565 after the hosts declared on 448/6. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan then scalped seven wickets between them in the second innings and helped Bangladesh dismiss Pakistan for just 146. 

“Firstly, there was a mistake in team selection. You were without a spinner. Secondly, the reputation based on which we rely on our fast bowlers is finished,” Ramiz Raja said on his YouTube channel.

“This debacle, a sort of a confidence crisis, started during the Asia Cup when India bashed our pacers on seaming conditions and then the secret was out to the world that the only way to counter this line-up was to attack.

“Their speeds have decreased, and so have their skill sets. The Bangladesh fast bowlers seemed more penetrative while our bowlers were involved in more drama around their wickets. “Since Pakistan did not have an out-and-out fast bowler on that track, even Bangladesh, with that line-up stood tall against our pacers with speeds around 125 to 135kmph.”

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Ramiz was also not impressed with Shan Masood’s captaincy and batting. The left-hander could only score 20 runs in the Test and was dismissed caught behind on both occasions. “Shan Masood is currently on a losing streak. I felt, in Australian conditions things are tougher and the Pakistan team couldn’t win a series there. But you are now losing in home conditions, against a team like Bangladesh, because you did not read the conditions well,” he said.

“Neither did the batters apply themselves and the bowlers were horrendous. Masood needs to improve his batting and needs to show that you have some knowledge of the game. He needs to work on his batting. It’s not like he is a great captain and so if he keeps getting out ducks, he would still have his place in the side. 

“Losing makes a huge dent in the team and the morale of the side. You cannot lose the series. Pakistan cricket is already under a lot of pressure. A series loss would mean tension in the dressing room, there will be a lot of criticism and questions raised.” 

The Men in Green have now lost five and drawn four of their last nine Tests. They haven’t won a home Test since defeating South Africa in 2021. The second Test will also be played in Rawalpindi, starting on August 30.

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