Rameez Raja holds press conference

The Chief Executive of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Rameez Raja has said Pakistan's policy on India would remain unchanged until New Delhi showed flexibility in its attitude. He was addressing a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium less than 24 hour after taking over from Chishty Mujahid.

"So far the attitude of India has been rigid. They are stubborn and not understanding the reason and situation. We have gone out of the way in an effort to restore relations with India but they have not shown any interest. Now if they don't want to play cricket with us, we are not interested in playing with them either," Rameez Raja said.

He, however, stated that as a cricketer he strongly believed that the two countries needed to play against each other to improve and learn. "My fellow Indian commentators share the same thoughts," he said.

Pakistan has withdrawn from the Asia Cup to be played in August and have already announced it will not tour India next year after New Delhi refused permission to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for its team to cross the border because of political and security concerns. India also cancelled a tour to Pakistan in early 2001.

Rameez, nevertheless, said now since the diplomatic relations were improving with positive statements coming from both the sides, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) would also review the situation. "But at the moment, there is no change in our policy. Of course when things will improve, we will also show flexibility as we have been showing in the past."

Rameez, a former Pakistan captain and only the second Test cricketer to be the Chief Executive of the PCB, said he was honoured to be in the same league as the likes of Majid Khan whom he billed as a childhood hero. "I am honoured but frankly speaking I never wanted this job. I was actually cornered this time after having refused it in the past three years. But I must thank Lt Gen Tauqir Zia who expressed confidence and trust in my abilities."

The PCB Chief Executive said his objective will be to spend quality and meaningful time in the cricket board. "I will put in my best to implement the policies of the Chairman. I will try to be creative and also expect that my colleagues will come up with fresh ideas that will not only improve Pakistan cricket but also uplift the image of the cricket board. I would also request the gentlemen from the Press to highlight problems but with solutions. Only the opinions wouldn't improve things nor they will serve any purpose."

Rameez Raja said Pakistan cricket was heading in the right direction. "Not only the team has made a winning start that was essential after World Cup failure, the restructuring of the organization will also make this institution more professional and competent. We will announce the new setup in a weeks time."

Rameez said he would continue to work as commentator, "because my presence there was important to Pakistan cricket. Besides, I will only be out for 30 days over the next year which I don't think is enough time away from the board in the backdrop of modern communication technologies that are available. In addition to this, I think I have maintained a nice balance in my life because I never sacrificed education for cricket or the other way round and believe I can do it this time also."

Rameez said he would also continue to work as Director Academies "as that project was closest to my heart. You see Alf Gover started way back in 1960 while Australia established their Academy in 1981. Now in the last four to five years, Australia have started producing quality cricketers from that institution. We are just the beginners but I am satisfied with the progress we have made in a very short span of time. I am convinced that if we continue with work with dedication and commitment, we will be able to catch up with the modern day requirement much earlier than others."

Rameez said domestic structure was not being abolished but was only being improved. "I mean Australia are the best team in the world and they are also making adjustments to their structure. Our structure has been the same but our predecessors and now we have only tried to make it more competitive and tough. Now since we are launching the National Cricket Academy, both (domestic cricket and academy) have to run parallel so that we can get exciting and talented cricketers. The academy is a finishing school of excellence and we want that there should be some justification between talent and performance in domestic circuit."

Samiul Hasan
General Manager - Media
Mobile + 92 300 8424 389
Email: sami-pcb@cyber.net.pk
24 April 2003