Ramiz Raja slams Pakistan fast bowlers, questions Shan Masood’s captaincy

“Secondly, the reputation based on which we rely on our fast bowlers is finished.

“This debacle, a sort of a confidence crisis, started during the Asia Cup when India bashed our pacers on seaming conditions and then the secret was out to the world that the only way to counter this line-up was to attack.

“Their speeds have decreased, and so have their skill set. The Bangladesh fast bowlers seemed more penetrative while our bowlers were involved in more drama around their wickets.

Bangladesh players gather around Shakib Al Hasan to celebrate the fall of a Pakistan wicket on Sunday during the first Test in Rawalpindi. (AP)

“Since Pakistan did not have an out-and-out fast bowler on that track, even Bangladesh, with that line-up stood tall against our pacers with speeds around 125 to 135kmph,” he added.

Ramiz Raja on Shan’s captaincy

Ramiz Raja questioned Shan Masood’s captaincy and his poor batting outing.

“Shan Masood is currently on a losing streak. I felt, in Australian conditions things are tougher and the Pakistan team couldn’t win a series there. But you are now losing in home conditions, against a team like Bangladesh, because you did not read the conditions well,” he said.

“Neither did the batters apply themselves and the bowlers were horrendous. Masood needs to improve his batting and needs to show that you have some knowledge of the game.

“He needs to work on his batting. It’s not like he is a great captain and so if he keeps getting out ducks, he would still have his place in the side. Losing makes a huge dent in the team and the morale of the side. You cannot lose the series. Pakistan cricket is already under a lot of pressure. A series loss would mean tension in the dressing room, there will be a lot of criticism and questions raised,” he said.

Pakistan’s Naseem Shah, second right, celebrates with teammate after taking the wicket of Bangladesh’s Zakir Hasan during the third day of first cricket test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. AP/PTI

The defeat extended Pakistan’s barren run in red-ball cricket at home to five losses and four draws since it last beat South Africa at Rawalpindi in 2021.

“We have to look upon the mistakes we’ve made collectively and work on them,” captain Shan Masood said after losing his fourth successive test match since he was named test captain before the series in Australia late last year.

“I apologize to the whole nation and hope we will do much better in the next game.”

The second test will also be played at Rawalpindi from next Friday after it was moved from Karachi due to the ongoing construction work at the National Bank Stadium.