Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja has advocated for the immediate inclusion of 18-year-old pace bowler Ali Raza in the national Test team. Ramiz argues that the youngster's raw speed provides a necessary dimension to the bowling attack that is currently lacking.
Raza has demonstrated his potential in the Pakistan Super League and is currently competing for the Pakistan Under-19 side in the Asian Cricket Council Under-19s Asia Cup. In that tournament, he has secured five wickets across two matches at an average of 15.
Ramiz emphasised that relying solely on medium-pace bowlers is insufficient for success in the longest format of the game. He suggested that integrating the teenager into the senior environment would accelerate his development and professional growth.
"In Test cricket, until you have one genuine fast bowler, you cannot rely only on medium pace," Ramiz said. "I've seen him in the PSL – he's young, I accept he's had injuries, but bowling at 150 kph and not being engaged is a waste."
The Pakistan national team is currently engaged in a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which commenced on November 9 in Rawalpindi. The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, led by captain Babar Azam.
Raza's potential call-up would represent a significant shift in strategy for the selectors, who are currently managing a squad that includes Aamer Jamal, Ali Shabbir, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Ghazi Ghori, Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Taha, Tayyab Arif, Razaullah, Saad Baig, Salman Ali Agha, Sameer Minhas, Saqib Khan, and Saud Shakeel.
Join the conversation