The PCB chief courted controversy after snapping back at an Indian journalist for asking whether the entire nation of Pakistan would be unhappy with the team's performance in the Asia Cup final.
File image of Ramiz Raja. AP
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja defended himself following his confrontation with an Indian journalist in Dubai that led to a major controversy and became a big talking point after the Asia Cup.
Raja was exiting the Dubai International Cricket Stadium following Pakistan’s 23-run loss to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final on Sunday, 11 September when he was quizzed by journalists about his team’s defeat in the marquee clash.
Watch: Ramiz Raja snatches Indian reporter’s phone after Pakistan’s Asia Cup defeat
‘Rambo’ was particularly unhappy with a question posed by an Indian scribe on whether the entire nation of Pakistan would be unhappy after the defeat. Not only did Raja provide an ill-tempered reply, but he went so far as to attempt to snatch the journalists’ mobile phone out of his hand.
When asked about the incident by an Indian viewer during a live session on his YouTube show Fans Forum with Ramiz on Friday, Raja described the question as “provocative”.
“His question wasn’t appropriate. He asked if the entire country was unhappy (after the defeat). To which I asked how would he know if the entire nation was unhappy with the team’s performance, especially if he’s sitting 2,000 miles away. These questions are provocative.
“But anyway, it was an incident and that’s behind us now,” the former Pakistan batter said.
Pakistan suffered back-to-back defeats at the hands of Sri Lanka inside three days after strong performances against Hong Kong and India and a narrow win over Afghanistan. They had reduced the Lankans to 58/5 after opting to bowl in the final before Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Wanindu Hasaranga’s rescue act helped them set a challenging target of 171.
Pakistan in reply weren’t able to dictate terms against the Sri Lankan bowlers despite a solid third-wicket stand between Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed, and the batting order eventually crumbled once the asking rate got too high.
Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Find latest and upcoming tech gadgets online on Tech2 Gadgets. Get technology news, gadgets reviews & ratings. Popular gadgets including laptop, tablet and mobile specifications, features, prices, comparison.
To no one's surprise, the friendly off-field gesture by the players grabbed the attention of the cricket enthusiasts.
Pakistan have made a place in the final of the Asia Cup 2022 while India have been knocked out of the tournament
India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2022 Super 4, HIGHLIGHTS: Riding high on Mohammad Rizwan's 71 and Mohammad Nawaz's quick-fire 42, Pakistan beat India by five wickets in the Super 4 contest.
Sign up for a weekly curated briefing of the most important strategic affairs stories from across the world.
TAN need 1 run in 73 balls at 0.08 rpo
Bangladesh Women beat United Arab Emirates Women by 54 runs
Zimbabwe Women beat Scotland Women by 9 runs
Thailand Women beat USA Women by 64 runs
Ireland Women beat Papua New Guinea Women by 37 runs
England Women beat India Women by 7 wickets
England Women beat South Africa Women by 137 runs
Australia Women beat West Indies Women by 157 runs
Namibia beat USA by 68 runs
Kenya beat Malawi by 52 runs
Ghana beat Mozambique by 28 runs
Malawi beat Cameroon by 7 wickets
Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 23 runs
Australia beat New Zealand by 25 runs
England beat South Africa by 9 wickets
England beat New Zealand by 5 wickets
Gujarat Titans beat Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets
Rajasthan Royals beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by 7 wickets
Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Lucknow Super Giants by 14 runs
Gujarat Titans beat Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets
Oman beat Papua New Guinea by 85 runs
Copyright © 2022. Firstpost - All Rights Reserved.