While striking out the similarities between Misbah-ul-Haq and Dhoni, Ramiz Raja said that the Pakistan head coach needs to leave his subdued approach behind and adapt according to the modern demands of the game.
Ramiz Raja on Dhoni vs Misbah-ul-Haq
Ramiz said Misbah also possesses the calm demeanour of former India captain MS Dhoni but he has to change and adapt according to the modern demands of the game.
“Misbah’s training and upbringing is different. Let me put it this way, he is the poor man’s Dhoni. MS was also restrained, no expressions and not emotional. Misbah is also like this but I think now he has to go on modern thinking,” Ramiz said in an interview on the Cricket Baaz YouTube channel.
Ramiz said Misbah at times gets too protective when Pakistan loses a match.
“Misbah has to take a new direction because there is a need to set the GPS right for Pakistan cricket because aggression is in our DNA. I think at times he gets too protective and he gets cagey as soon as we lose a match. But if our products and talent is right we shouldn’t be afraid of hiccups and setbacks.”
Ramiz also called for the appointment of a chief executive for the Pakistan team who would oversee only technical cricket matters related to the team selection, coaches, players etc.
He also felt that time has come for Pakistan to stop reliance on foreign coaches.
“In the past I could understand we needed foreign coaches because we were young to this field but now we have grown ourselves in this area.
“In fact, I think there is no need to have permanent coaches with the team for all tours and we should only be appointing specialist coaches as required on tour to touring series to series basis.
“Appointment of coaches should be tour-based and opposition-based. Use their expertise for a series and move on rather than carry on with them for a long period.”
Talking about the World Test Championship, Ramiz said: “The current format was lopsided and prolonged and it made no sense not having India and Pakistan series.
“Teams didn’t play the same number of matches and even the points system was weird. Next time when the WTC has held no cricket should be held at that time, No ODIs or T20s, if you want to promote test cricket and infuse life into it and also attract sponsors to this format,” he added.
