Raja also announced that former Australian opener Matthew Hayden and former South African all-rounder Vernon Philander were signed up as head coach and bowling coach respectively for the Twenty20 World Cup that begins next month.

Hayden and Philander replace Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis after both coaches stepped down from their respective roles shortly after the World Cup squad was named last week.

Raja, who played more than 250 international matches for Pakistan from 1984 to 1997, replaces Ehsan Mani who stepped down from his role last month.

After his retirement, Raja became a cricket commentator. The 59-year-old served as the PCB chief executive from 2003 to 2004.

"One of my key focuses will be to help introduce in the Pakistan men's cricket team the same culture, mindset, attitude and approach that once made Pakistan one of the most feared cricket playing nations," Raja said.

"Obviously, as a former cricketer, my other priority will be to look into the welfare of our past and present cricketers.

"The game has and will always be about the cricketers and, as such, they deserve more recognition and respect from their parent institution."

Social media has been flooded with messages of support for Raja's appointment.

Some appreciated Raja's appearance on Monday dressed in a shalwar kameez.

Others were sad to lose a commentator.

But as expected, many used the opportunity to share memes.