Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja on Monday. Became the new chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after being elected “unanimously and unopposed”. According to a press release issued by the board.
A special meeting of the PCB’s Board of Governors was held. At the National High Performance Centre in Lahore to elect the cricketing body’s 36th chairman.
Retired Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed conducted the election. And presided over the special meeting.
“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,” Raja was quoted as telling the other board members in a PCB press release.
Ramiz Raja elected new PCB chairman 'unanimously and unopposed'. #pakistan https://t.co/N7e0K8KQAb
— Pakistan News (@pakistaninews) September 13, 2021
“One of my key focuses will be to help introduce in the Pakistan men’s cricket team the same culture, mindset, attitude. And approach that once made Pakistan one of the most feared cricket playing nations.
As an organisation, we all need to get behind the national team. And provide them the desired assistance and support. So that they can produce that brand of cricket. Which the fans also expect from them each time they step on to the field of play.
🗣 "It's too early for me to assess him. It's important for me to know him better"
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 14, 2021
On his first day in office, newly elected PCB chairman Ramiz Raja spoke about 🇵🇰's captain Babar Azam 👉 https://t.co/k2cLEVeNQg pic.twitter.com/PGSuU5mbmc
Obviously, as a former cricketer. My other priority will be to look into the welfare of our past and present cricketers. The game has and will always be about the cricketers and as such. They deserve more recognition and respect from their parent institution.”
‘Direction needs to be reset’
In his inaugural press conference as the PCB chairman in Lahore. Raja heaped praise on former head coach Misbahul Haq. And bowling coach Waqar Younis for “working hard with honesty”. The duo had left their jobs abruptly and unceremoniously last week.
Rambo came out with all guns blazing, vows to "reset Pakistan cricket's compass" after becoming PCB chairman – https://t.co/wrS8ZroSca #Pakcricket pic.twitter.com/ABJLwsAcxk
— Umar Farooq Kalson (@kalson) September 13, 2021
The new chairman emphasised and reiterated at multiple points in the press conference. That “a complete overhaul” of the system was required on multiple tiers.