Ramiz Raja responds to Imran's 'Phateechar' comment

LAHORE: Former cricketer and commentator Ramiz Raja on Tuesday reacted to PTI chief Imran Khan's infamous comment in which he referred to foreign players participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as 'phateechar' (low class).

Speaking on Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath, Ramiz stated that instead of issuing such statements, Imran Khan should appreciate the small steps that were being taken to bring back international cricket once again to Pakistan. Ramiz Raja also said that the PSL final, which took place in Lahore, was an event against terrorism.

Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan had incited fury from all quarters on Tuesday when a video of him declaring foreign players who had played in the final of the PSL as 'phatechar' surfaced on social and electronic media. Khan and his party did not apologise for the comment. In a comment which has been criticised for being racist, he said, "They just picked them from Africa."

Read more: Imran labels foreign players who played PSL final 'phateechar'

Earlier, Imran had also spoken out against the PCB and government's decision to hold the PSL final in Lahore at Gaddafi stadium. He had termed the decision as 'madness' claiming that it was a silly decision to host the final amid such extreme security measures.

The PSL final was held on Sunday in Lahore midst stringent security measures. Quetta Gladiators were beaten by Peshawar Zalmi, who lifted the cup to claim the second edition of the cricket league which mesmerised fans from not only Pakistan but also India.