I think Pakistan need to forget about their bowling reputation: Ramiz Raja

Pakistan’s ODI World Cup 2023 campaign came to an end. After lacklustre performances throughout the tournament, Pakistan finished in fifth place in the standings and barely missed out on making it to the knockout stages of the tournament.

The Men in Green’s performance in the World Cup garnered major traction. Many pundits came forward to talk of what the side could change in their quest for the title, and former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja recently became a part of the fray as well.

Speaking of their performances, Raja came forward to state that Pakistan need to forget their reputation with the ball. He even went on to state that the side needs to find replacements for Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf after seeing how expensive both were in the tournament.

“Not really (if Raja had some joy watching Pakistan in the World Cup). Pakistan seemed to have found a good No. 3 pacer in Mohammad Wasim Jr., who was good in bits and pieces. His approach is healthy; he hits the ball hard as well,” Raja told Star Sports.

“And I think Pakistan needs to forget about their bowling reputation. They were limited as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf had to be played in every match. And look at how expensive they have been. Pakistan needs to find replacements,” he added.

There are options and opportunities available: Raja

Furthermore, the former cricketer also stated that there are plenty of players available who can make their way into the national team. Branding the side’s performance as hot and cold throughout the ODI World Cup 2023, the former cricketer stated the importance of forgetting their reputation.

“There are around 13 to 14 fast bowlers on the domestic circuit that are clocking over 140 kmph. So there are options and opportunities available, and Pakistan must forget about their reputation, look at their form, figures, and numbers, and look at the guys who want it badly. At times, Pakistan did not want it badly enough, hence this hot and cold performance,” Ramiz Raja said.