One of the most stylish personalities to come out of Pakistan, Rameez 'Rambo' Raja was a solid batsman who delighted cricketing purists with his elegant stroke-play.

As an opener, he formed a vital cog in the Pakistani ODI team. He scored more runs in ODIs than in Tests, which is surprising. Rameez started off his ODI career in style when he stroked a couple of fifties against New Zealand in 1985. His first major knock though came against England during the 1987 World Cup match at Karachi. Chasing 245 for victory, Rameez stood up to the plate and put the opposition on the mat. He survived two chances but held firm and he notched up his first ODI century to give Pakistan victory by seven wickets. However, against the same opponents later in the year, Rameez became part of a unique record.

In an ODI match against England in Karachi, Pakistan needed 264 in 44 overs to win the match. They needed 25 runs off the last over with Rameez on 98. He set out for a couple, but on the second run, he was struggling to make his ground. The throw from the fielder was coming towards him and he knocked the ball away with his bat. He became the first batsman to be given out for obstructing the field and was left stranded on 99.

Back to back centuries in the tri-series tournament played in Australia in 1988 against Sri Lanka further enhanced his reputation. In the 1992 World Cup, he stroked a stylish 102 against the West Indies in the MCG but they managed to lose the match comprehensively as the Windies romped home by 10 wickets. In the league match against New Zealand, he stroked an unbeaten 119 as he guided Pakistan to a comprehensive victory.

In the Test arena, he had moderate success. In 57 Tests, he averaged just 31.83 with centuries against Sri Lanka and India. He captained Pakistan towards the fag end of his playing days and retired from the game after the end of the India-Pakistan ODI series played in Toronto in 1997.

Following his retirement, Rameez was appointed as the CEO of the PCB. Being a bright and dynamic personality, Rameez was instrumental in negotiating a breakthrough in India-Pakistan cricketing ties. The 2004 series between India and Pakistan was played in Pakistan after a gap of 15 years. It was an even greater achievement considering the fact that two years before, both countries had stood on the brink of nuclear war. The series won the Laureus Sport for Good Award. He resigned from the post of CEO in the same year citing increasing media commitments. Nowadays, he does commentary for all international matches featuring Pakistan.

By Siddharth Vishwanathan