During his prime, Rashid Latif ascended to the top of international cricket thanks to his sharp wicket-keeping skills. The former Pakistan wicketkeeper isn’t shy about speaking his mind when necessary.
Recently, Latif stepped forward to defend the embattled stars, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, criticizing those causing harm to Pakistan cricket through ‘internal politics’ within the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board).
After being left out of the T20 team in December 2024, Babar and Rizwan were also excluded from Pakistan’s squad for the Asia Cup (September 9-28) in the UAE.
Besides their inconsistent performances, Latif suspects a conspiracy against these two world-class players.
Ironically, amid growing concerns over India’s media and politicians mixing sports with politics, casting doubts on the India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash, it’s Pakistan’s own internal cricket politics that may jeopardize their chances at the continental event.
“There seems to be too much politics. I might be mistaken, but most players and management in Pakistan’s Asia Cup squad are from Islamabad United (Pakistan Super League team). This is a common perception now in Pakistan,” Latif told the Khaleej Times.
Islamabad United connection?
Mike Hesson, appointed as Pakistan’s coach in May, has also been leading Islamabad United since 2023.
The experienced New Zealander guided United to a PSL victory last year, which was the first season for Salman Ali Agha, the all-rounder who will captain Pakistan at the Asia Cup in the UAE.
Since Agha took over T20 captaincy in March, Pakistan has won only seven out of 14 matches, including a disappointing 4-1 series loss to New Zealand.
“They have played several matches, but the coaching staff hasn’t yet built a cohesive team,” Latif commented, highlighting the team’s lack of balance.
“Building a team requires a strong spin attack. This team opts for just one spinner in the playing eleven. Between Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Moqim, only one is chosen. This is a mistake.”
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif.
Latif considers the biggest error by coach Hesson to be blaming Babar’s T20 strike rate (129.22) for his exclusion from the Asia Cup.
“Strike rate isn’t everything; game awareness is crucial. Many players in this team attempt big shots but get out early,” the former Pakistan captain stated.
Internal politics
Beyond cricketing issues, Babar, who hasn’t scored an international century since August 2023, has been ‘mentally damaged’ by board politics.
“Both Babar and Rizwan have been out of the (T20) team for some time. Their performance has declined, but internal board politics has also severely impacted Pakistan cricket. In the past, other stars coped with pressure and performed, but for Babar and Rizwan, it’s significantly affected their performance,” Latif remarked, criticizing Pakistan’s poor T20 ranking.
“Looking at the ICC T20I team rankings, our team is eighth. Both (Babar and Rizwan) deserve a spot in this team because we lack any Don Bradmans!”
Can Babar bounce back?
Latif is particularly worried about Babar’s decline, once on track to join the all-time batting greats.
“Accepting the captaincy for the second time for the 2024 World Cup was his biggest mistake. Since then, we haven’t seen the same Babar Azam as a batsman. Captaincy has harmed many players in the past; now it has affected Babar Azam,” he said.
After resigning from captaincy following Pakistan’s group-stage exit at the 2024 T20 World Cup, with a humiliating loss to the USA, Babar is struggling to regain his batting form, averaging only 28.73 across formats.
“I think he failed to evolve as he should have with the captaincy, contributing to his prolonged slump — now he gets out early across formats,” Latif commented.
“Additionally, extensive T20 cricket has harmed his technique, and controversies haven’t helped. I hope he resolves these issues soon.”
