Ramiz Raja: “I am very happy with the inclusion of Abid Ali because he has emerged as an excellent role model”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has admitted that he is delighted that opener Abid Ali was picked in the country’s World Cup squad.

Abid made his international debut during the recent five-match ODI series against Australia in the United Arab Emirates.

The 31-year-old made his debut in the fourth ODI, where he struck a superb 112.

Despite being dismissed for a golden duck in the fifth ODI, he finished the series with an average of 56.

Abid reportedly failed the yo-yo test that the list of 23 World Cup probables had to undergo, but passed it on the second attempt and was subsequently picked in the squad.

“I am very happy with the inclusion of Abid Ali because he has emerged as an excellent role model and an example for all those cricketers that have been playing first-class cricket for quite some time and have been performing as well,” Ramiz was quoted as saying by the Business Recorder.

“You get to know that when you are making runs on the board, the selection committee comes under pressure, and when one [is in] good form then they can hit a hundred on debut.

“Abid Ali has enjoyed a fairytale entry because at age 31, one gets disheartened over not getting recognized.”

Pakistan will begin their World Cup campaign against the West Indies in Nottingham on May 31.

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