Pakistan go on tour to Zimbabwe by the end of August and new cap Rameez Raja is determined to make a name for himself on the international stage. Raja – one of three uncapped members of Pakistan’s 16-man touring party – turns 24 years old on Sunday and is relishing the chance to impress for his country. “Yes, it is a precious birthday gift and I will try to grab this opportunity with both hands,” he said. “I came to know about this news from a television channel and my close friends conveyed to me immediately about my selection.”
A batsman who also bowls off-breaks, the right-handed Raja says he is ready to make waves on the international stage, having shown his promise as a member of Pakistan’s Under-19 World Cup-winning side in 2006. “Former skipper Ramiz Raja was a great player but I want to make my own identity and earn more name and fame,” he added. “It is always an honour to play for the nation. Saqlain Mushtaq is my favourite off-spinner and I want to learn more about the art of bowling from him,” he added. Pakistan will play one Test match, three ODIs and a T20I against Zimbabwe and the PCB have selected one squad, to be captained by Misbah-ul-Haq, for all three formats.
