'Take out your frustration on the field in the T20 World Cup' - Ramiz Raja to Pakistan team after New Zealand's tour cancellation

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was left in utter disbelief when New Zealand called off their tour abruptly minutes before the first ODI in Rawalpindi. The Kiwis did so after the security threat that came from New Zealand government who suggested them to leave the country as soon as possible. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan personally called New Zealand’s PM but all efforts went in vain as New Zealand refused to take the field.

The outrage in Pakistan among the board officials, fans and the players was understandable. The newly appointed Ramiz Raja also took to Twitter to slam New Zealand Cricket (NZC) stating, ‘they will hear from us at the ICC.’ A day after the tour cancellation, Ramiz has urged the fans to stand behind Pakistan cricket during these hard times.

“Our pain is shared. Whatever happened isn’t good for Pakistan cricket. But one point that needs to be emphasised is that we have gone through such experiences in the past and we always move forward. So I urge our fans to stand behind the Pakistan team and be its strength at the [T20] World Cup,” he said through a video.

Moreover, his advise to the players was to vent out all the frustration of this unfortunate incident in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Ramiz Raja believes if Pakistan becomes the world’s best team, then the international countries will line up to play against them at home.

“To my team, I would like to say take out your frustrations on the field because that is the only remedy. When you become the world’s best team then everyone is queuing up in line to play series in your country. So I want everyone to take this as a lesson and move on and not be disappointed,” the PCB Chairman further added.

We will come out of this situation, says Ramiz Raja

The sudden tour cancellation has certainly put a huge pressure on Pakistan Cricket. The subsequent England’s Men’s and Women’s tour is also under severe threat now. While Ramiz Raja admits that Pakistan is under huge pressure, he is confident that the board and country will come out of this setback soon.

We will come out of this situation where our [ability to host] international cricket is under pressure again but even if we don’t we still have that strong gut. We have the confidence and strength to work on our domestic cricket and still produce a world-class team.

“I understand there is a lot of pressure on the Pakistan team. But that’s okay. We will face it. And we will bring you good news. Good performances. We are rallying the fans to get behind us. Now is the time to work hard and emerge as the world’s best team so that we can get out of this challenge easily. I am with you and hope you are also with me, and as a unit we will take Pakistan cricket forward,” the 59-year-old said.