Country’s respect my priority, says Raja

ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 12: Former Test all-rounder Wasim Raja, who has been appointed coach of the Pakistan cricket team mired in match-fixing...

ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 12: Former Test all-rounder Wasim Raja, who has been appointed coach of the Pakistan cricket team mired in match-fixing controversy, has said “self-discipline” and “country’s respect” would be his top priorities.

“If you are a professional, you cannot do anything deliberately,” the 46-year-old political science lecturer and qualified cricket coach from England said while rejecting charges that Pakistan threw away their World Cup final against Australia.

The 46-year-old told the English daily The Dawn that “mental approach, self-respect, self-discipline and country’s respect” will be his priorities to rebuild the Pakistan team.

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Raja, a stylish left-handed batsman and right-arm seamer, has appeared in 57 Tests and 54 One-dayers in the 1970’s and early ’80’s. He quit his job in England and signed a contract for 40,000 pounds (approximately Rs 28.80 lakh) per annum with the Pakistan Cricket Board.

PCB appointed Raja after failing to enlist the services of former South African coach Bob Woolmer, who reportedly demanded 80,000 pounds (about Rs 57.60 lakh), officials said.