PakPassion is delighted to present a short question and answer interview with Pakistan's former opening batsman Ramiz Raja. He has played 57 test matches with a decent average of 31.83 and 198 ODIs with a average of 32.09. 

PakPassion, recently caught up with Ramiz Raja and asked him few questions. It is always very interesting to hear Ramiz Raja as his views are very insightful.
 

PakPassion.Net: Umar Gul - Test material or is Wahab Riaz the new wave?

Ramiz Raja: Umar Gul has a decent track record and great attitude. Needs to be consistent though and requires shaping up physically and mentally to be a success story at Test level.

PakPassion.Net: How would you change the domestic structure back home?

Ramiz Raja: By concentrating on one first class format which is regional. Have a Board of Governors of each region, a chief executive, and managers looking after coaching, women, school, club, membership and business etc. It would stop selection horrors, blackmailing of the president of a region by the clubs who vote him into office.

PakPassion.Net: Should more ex players have an active role in the running of Pakistan cricket?

Ramiz Raja: Certainly, in the shape of a cricket committee.

PakPassion.Net: Why is Pakistan cricket plagued by player v player issues and why can't this be eradicated? And why are these disagreements always played out in the full glare of the media?

Ramiz Raja: A good cricket system throws up good captains, good managers and disciplined players. We don't have one, hence all the controversies.

PakPassion.Net: Who was quicker in their prime, Zahid or Akhtar?

Ramiz Raja: Shoaib and Zahid both were lightening quick.

PakPassion.Net: Do you think Younis and Yousuf should be part of Pakistan squad of 2011 WC?

Ramiz Raja: Yousuf's class is unquestionable but his fitness is his biggest foe. Younis need to work hard on power hitting if he is to claim a permanent spot in ODIs.

PakPassion.Net: You were a part of the World Cup winning Pakistani side. What are your fondest memories of that tournament?

Ramiz Raja: Obviously winning the WC 92 but on a lighter note Aqib's batting against England in which in one over he got beaten on all balls while playing the same shot - defensive block.

PakPassion.Net: What do you think are Pakistan's chances for reclaiming that glory?

Ramiz Raja: With expectations low, the pressure is off and they may surprise few teams but may eventually run out of steam.

PakPassion.Net: Why do you think Pakistan has regressed whereas countries like Sri Lanka and India have progressed?

Ramiz Raja: Consistent and just selection policies, leadership and great group of responsible senior players who nurtured and mentored the youngsters.

PakPassion.Net: Which fellow commentator do you enjoy the company of most?

Ramiz Raja: We have a terrific bunch of international commentators who are great fun.

PakPassion.Net: Since you are a commentator now you have good exposure to the game. So what do you think is lacking in our captains these days which our most successful captain Imran Khan had?

Ramiz Raja: Strategy and selection of players.

PakPassion.Net: Who do you see as a potential leader in the side after the WC?

Ramiz Raja: Don't have a name for you right now.

PakPassion.Net: During the tour of England, you were spending quite a lot of time with Azhar Ali, Umar Amin and Umar Akmal. Can you give us your thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of each of these 3?

Ramiz Raja: Azhar Ali is technically sound and has excellent temperament. He needs to improve his strike rate and play against spin. Umar Amin has good defence but needs to be more side on. Umar Akmal is talented when it comes to striking the ball but needs to learn to construct a test innings and cool his urge to attack all the time. He needs massive counselling at this stage of his career and coaches must be patient with him as he is a work in progress. They must not abandon him.

PakPassion.Net: We thank you for your time and wish you all the best in future?

Ramiz Raja: Thank you.