Former Pakistan captain Rameez Raja has said it is time the men in green got a new leader to handle the "mercurial" side.

Raja said the present team had absorbed a lot of negative criticism in recent times and they were trying to prove everyone wrong, but in spite of that it was time to change the leadership.

"This team has, in recent times, absorbed a lot of negative criticism. It has been written off and the seniors in particular are absolutely intent on proving everybody wrong. That's a good sign, but I do feel we need a new captain," he told The Telegraph.

Raja said Pakistan had always been the "mercurial type" and had found it difficult to "stay normal for any length of time".

The former PCB official also empathised with the Australian and English players' point of view over security concerns ahead of the Champions Trophy.

"I don't blame them because if you're not in Pakistan and you keep hearing and reading about blasts and chaos, then you could be influenced by all that. Unfortunately, we've been getting such negative publicity and, as a result, people outside tend to have doubts," he said.

"Having said all that, I'm definitely a little disappointed as Pakistan (cricket) needs everybody's support. A positive attitude from the West, so to say, would be of great help," he added.

Asked about the diminishing support towards cricket in the country, he said it was due to the "uncertainty which surrounds a tournament" and because of tours getting cancelled.