Pakistan cricket is facing fresh controversy after former cricketer Rashid Latif launched a strong attack on Babar Azam‘s leadership following the team’s Test series struggles against England. Rashid Latif accused Babar Azam of failing to stand up for his teammates and coaching staff at a time when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made major changes to the squad and support setup.
The criticism comes after Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat in the Lord’s Test. This comes following PCB released seven players and several members of the support staff. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was also removed from his role ahead of the third and final Test in Birmingham. Pakistan has lost Test series & now playing to salvage some pride.
Babar Azam has become a dummy captain- Rashid Latif
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rashid Latif questioned why Babar Azam did not take a stronger stand for the players and coaches who were sent home. He argued that a captain’s responsibility goes beyond leading the team on the field and includes supporting the people around him during difficult situations.
Latif said, “Babar should have resigned here. Half of the team has been sent back home. If I were in his place, I would have given up the captaincy.”
The former Pakistan wicketkeeper further criticised Babar by saying, “You have become a dummy captain. There’s a difference between a leader and a captain.” His comments have added another layer to the growing debate around Babar’s role and influence within Pakistan cricket,”
Latif also pointed towards the departure of several important members of the setup, including Umar Gul and the coaching staff. He questioned why Babar remained silent despite the sweeping changes made by the PCB.
“You aren’t standing up for your team. Your coach has been sidelined, and you are sitting quietly. It shows that the PCB always needs a dummy captain,” Latif stated.
Misbah-ul-Haq Reportedly Offers Resignation
The controversy surrounding Pakistan cricket has not been limited to Babar Azam. According to a Cricinfo report mentioned in the article, former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq reportedly offered his resignation from the men’s selection committee after the PCB made significant changes to the Test squad.
Misbah was part of the four-member selection committee formed in March, alongside Aqib Javed, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Asad Shafiq. Reports also suggested that Misbah had resigned from his role as a batting consultant at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, although the PCB had yet to accept his resignation at the time of the report.
With major changes being made both on and off the field, attention will now remain on Babar Azam and how he responds to the criticism. Rashid Latif’s comments have raised a wider question about whether a captain should simply lead the team or also challenge decisions when his players and coaching staff are affected. For Babar, the situation presents another leadership test, with his response likely to influence how his captaincy is viewed during a difficult period for Pakistan cricket.
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