Rameez Raja Appointed PCB Chairman

Former Pakistan batsman Ramiz Raja has been formally elected as the PCB chairman for a period of three years after winning the election unopposed. As widely expected. He was the only person to submit his nomination papers for the post. and was voted on by six PCB Governing Board members.

Rameez Raja was Always the Favorite for the Role:

Directly nominated on 27 August by Imran Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Patron-in-Chief of the PCB, Rameez Raja was always the favorite for the role. Because it became clear that Ehsan Mani would not continue. This is the 36th term of the PCB chairman. And Rameez is the 30th person to hold this position. He is the fourth former cricketer after Ejaz Butt, Javed Burki and Abdul Hafeez Kardar to become the chairman. Retired judge Sheikh Azmat Saeed – an election commissioner nominated by Imran – oversaw the process that resulted in Ramiz officially stepping into the role of chairman.

Since his nomination, Rameez Raja has been actively meeting with players and PCB officials. It is also understood that he was instrumental in the selection of Pakistan’s upcoming T20 World Cup squad. Hours after the squad was announced, head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis submitted their resignations.

Rameez Raja has Quite Different Administrative Challenges:

The administrative challenges facing Rameez Raja today are quite different from those 17 years ago. The PCB is yet to replace the national coaching staff with the T20 World Cup a month away. Broadcast and commercial rights of the Pakistan Super League, which is currently the top revenue generator for the PCB. Also ready for renovation. The PCB has made progress in regularizing Pakistan’s international tours. And continuing that trend is likely to remain a major priority.

Over the past three years, PCB has remodeled the domestic circuit. The number of teams reduced from 16 to six. And even have abolished departments altogether. At present, all six associations have nominated board members. Rameez Raja has indicated that he would like to change them by forming a self-sufficient union. So that they can have their own elected body instead of directing nomination. Ramiz is going to hold a press conference later today. Which is his first as chairman.

Rameez Raja Played a Key Role in Ensuring the Historic Tour went Smoothly:

This is Rameez Raja’s second stint with the PCB. Prior to this, he served as the chief executive of the PCB from 2003 to 2004. He was instrumental in ensuring that India’s historic tour of Pakistan in 2004 went smoothly. He made radical changes in the domestic system. Brought to the fore the areas without being freed from the system of departments. He also played a role in bringing in central contracts for Pakistan players. But by the time they took effect they were gone.

After losing the ODI and Test series against India, Rameez Raja helped bring in Bob Woolmer as the head coach of Pakistan. Arguably his biggest achievement in the PCB. He also oversaw the launch of the National Cricket Academy before resigning from the post in August 2004. His position was destabilized when several conflicts of interest – especially his decision to continue working as a commentator.

He has since made a name for himself as the leading commentator of Pakistan. Which features in almost every national chain home and away. However, unlike in 2004, he would relinquish his commentary duties during his time at the administrative helm of Pakistan cricket.

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