Pakistan Star Accuses Ramiz Raja Of Ill-Treatment, Says ‘Messaged Ramiz Bhai 4-5 Times, He Never Texted Back’

Karachi: Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz has revealed how he was ill-treated by former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja during his tenure at the cricket board despite reaching out to him ‘4-5 times’ stating ‘he never texted back’.

Cricket in Pakistan saw a major haul after the Ramiz Raja-led panel was sacked following their 0-3 drubbing at the hands of England in the Test series recently. Najam Sethi took over as chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board with former captain Shahid Afridi taking over as interim chief selector.

“I was talking to one of the board members and he said he was happy that Ramiz bhai was going. So, the people who worked under you (Raja) were not happy with you,” Riaz was quoted as saying to Samaa TV as he opened up on his struggle.

“I had messaged Ramiz bhai 4-5 times during his tenure, I said I’m waiting for your message and your call. He didn’t reply me back. Why? I’m a present cricketer, I didn’t take retirement,” added the pacer, who last played for Pakistan in 2020 against New Zealand in a T20I.

The left-arm pacer also revealed that any cricketer who is above 30 years was deemed unfit to represent the national country and criticised former selector Wasim for his comments during Pakistan’s matches throughout various competitions.

“Anyone who was above 30 was deemed unfit to play. They said that it could hurt unity of the team or the performances of the team. Who has performed from the team that they chose? I don’t think any player has got as many chances as those under Ramiz bhai.

“We didn’t get more than 2 games. And after all that, the chief selector comes and says, ‘this team has given you a lot of happiness’. What’s this? Eid?” Wahab lashed out.