Former Pakistan player Ramiz Raja, on Tuesday, slammed Imran Khan for his infamous statement regarding Pakistan Super League (PSL) foreign recruits for the final, which was held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, when he called the players as ‘phateechar – referred to as‘useless’ and ‘low class’.
While speaking to Shahzeb Khanzada on Geo Tv, the 54-year-old Ramiz has expressed Imran should have supported the cause instead of making such derogatory statements.
“PSL final in Lahore was an event against terrorism. Imran Khan should recognise the small steps being taken for the return of international cricket in Pakistan,” Ramiz told in a Geo News’ programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath.
The Faisalabad-born Ramiz further said Imran should have appreciated the efforts of the country and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a bid to revive international cricket in Pakistan, which has not witnessed a Test match since 2009 when the Sri Lankan team bus was attacked in Lahore.
“Still in a trance after the PSL final..not because it was a nail biter but because doubt perception and terror were hit for a six!,” Ramiz posted on Twitter.
Imran, who is Pakistan’s Tehreek-I-Insaaf Chief, has drawn criticism from all quarters for his racial comment.
“I didn’t even know the names of the ‘phateechar’ (low-class) players who they were claiming were foreign players,” said Imran. “I think they grabbed some people from Africa and others from elsewhere to claim that they were foreign players. We don’t know who they were,” Imran was quoted by Pakistan media.
Last week, Imran termed holding of the PSL final in Lahore from the country’s cricket governing body Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) complete ‘madness’.
However, the final of the second edition of PSL final was held successfully on March 5 under tight security measures.