Ramiz Raja: “It was inspirational listening to him. His clarity on the game is sensational”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has admitted that it was “inspirational” to listen to the speech ex-skipper and current Prime Minister Imran Khan gave the World Cup squad.

With the World Cup team having been announced on Thursday, Imran gave a passionate and motivational speech to the players selected.

Pakistan’s only World Cup win came under the captaincy of Imran back in 1992. Since then, they have only made it to the final once more, which came during the 1999 World Cup, where they lost to Australia.

When addressing the players, Imran said: “A champion steps onto the pitch armed with passion and a plan. Team spirit is a key part of victory. With your skills, sportsman spirit and your conduct, bring glory to Pakistan’s name.

“The entire nation’s prayers are with you. Representing the country at an international forum is a big honour. You are ambassadors of the nation and the people’s eyes are on you, and their hopes rest with you.”

Ramiz was captivated by Imran’s speech, and tweeted: “Met the great Imran Khan along with the Pakistan [World Cup] team. It was inspirational listening to him. His clarity on the game is sensational. The gist was to never give up and to fight till the end and back yourself to win from any stage. Couldn’t have been a better way to start [the World Cup] march!”

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

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