‘Who’s this genius?’ – Wasim Akram’s blunt reply on Ramiz Raja’s ‘T20 players for Tests’ remark

Wasim Akram (Photo Source: Twitter)

Wasim Akram’s response to a proposal from former PCB chief Ramiz Raja has gained traction on social media, with a video clip going viral. Upon hearing Raja’s past suggestion, Akram couldn’t help but express his disbelief, questioning who the “genius” behind the idea was. Azhar humorously confirmed that it was indeed Ramiz Raja, eliciting laughter from the panel.

“Yeh kaun tha genius (who was this genius)?” asked Akram. “Ramiz Raja,” Azhar replied.

Watch the video:

Wasim Akram: Yeh Kon Tha Genius? 
Azhar Ali: Ramiz Raja 

😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/jh898bNXMr

— Thakur (@hassam_sajjad) March 3, 2024

Also read: Pakistan Cricket cannot be run in this manner: Inzamam-ul-Haq

Ramiz’s comment came during England’s tour of Pakistan in 2022, where the visiting team dominated with a 3-0 whitewash in the Test series. He mentioned suggesting to the then-Test captain Babar Azam that England were essentially playing the Test format like how a T20 is played, thus advocating Pakistan for the inclusion of T20 players. Raja communicated his longing for future generations to perceive Test cricket through the vibrant spectrum of the T20 format, advocating for a more dynamic approach to the traditional game.

“Like England for example, I suggested to Babar that England are playing the T20 format in a five-day version, so you better pick T20 players here. It’s a forced mindset on Pakistan, which I absolutely like. I want the future generation to think of it as a T20 format, like England are playing,” Ramiz said to Sky Cricket during the Multan Test, which was the second game of the series.

Also read: New Zealand’s security team arrives in Pakistan for surveillance ahead of T20I tour

Following Pakistan’s 3-0 whitewash by England in the Test series in December 2022, the Pakistan government chose to oust Ramiz Raja from his position as PCB chief. He had served as the chairman of the PCB for 15 months, having been appointed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan in September 2021.