Our cricket is ruined because we focused too much on India-Pakistan: Asim Kamal

Pakistan’s former Test cricketer Asim Kamal has taken a dig at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for managing things poorly in recent times. According to Kamal, the board has put a lot of attention on the India-Pakistan games and that has led to the downfall of Pakistan’s cricket.

India and Pakistan do not get involved in any bilateral series owing to the political tensions between the two nations. The teams haven’t faced each other in red-ball cricket since the 2008 terror attack.

The two countries lock horns with each other only for the Asia Cup and the ICC events. Asim, who has featured in 12 Test matches for Pakistan, asserted that if the Men in Green was playing against strong oppositions regularly, then planning a series against India wouldn’t have been an issue.

“Our cricket is ruined because we focused too much on the India-Pakistan match in focus. In order to relieve the pressure, other teams should also be given attention,” Asim Kamal said while speaking to Express-News.

Ramiz Raja will have to make bold decisions to fix the Pakistan cricket: Asim Kamal

Asim Kamal then highlighted the culture of Pakistan cricket, as he said that the senior players do not guide the budding cricketers with the fear of losing their spot. Recently, Ramiz Raja was appointed as the new chairman of PCB. Opening up on this, Kamal stated that the chairman has a big task ahead of him to fix things in Pakistan cricket.

“Senior players do not help upcoming young stars because they are scared of being replaced by them. This trend has continued for a very long while and it needs to be eradicated. He [Ramiz] will have to make bold decisions to fix the Pakistan cricket. He needs to expose and sack those who have been eating away like termites,” the former cricketer added.

When Pakistan announced its squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, the selectors were placed under scrutiny for not including a few key names. Asim Kamal also opened up on the World Cup squad and selections.

“Sharjeel Khan is the number one-hitter at the moment, Sohaib Maqsood is a great player and can be used with a little counseling. Also, if Fakhar Zaman is included in the World Cup squad, it will be the best decision,” Asim Kamal added.