Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif has expressed his strong discontent with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its chairman Mohsin Naqvi after the national team's dismal performance in the Test series against England. The series, which saw Pakistan lose the first two matches, has raised serious concerns about the state of cricket in the country.
Pakistan's recent tour of England has been particularly troubling, with the team facing harsh criticism for their performances. The British media has gone as far as to label the current squad as the "worst touring team in the last 50 years." Latif, while acknowledging the team's failures on the field, insists that the blame should not rest solely on the players. He argues that the PCB's administration, selection committee, and coaching staff also bear significant responsibility for the team's poor showing.
In a recent appearance on Geo News, Latif stated, "Everyone is talking about the Pakistan team, and how it is the worst touring team in the last 50 years. But nobody is speaking about how the current board is the worst in the last 70 years." His remarks highlight a growing sentiment among fans and analysts that the issues plaguing Pakistan cricket extend beyond the players themselves.
Latif's critique of the PCB is particularly pointed, as he described it as the "worst cricket board in the past 70 years." He emphasized the need for accountability among those in charge, urging that the systemic problems affecting the team must be addressed. "If you combine these issues, you will get the answer to your question. You will know who has ruined this team. Now you are losing consistently. This is the worst cricket board, that's a fact," he added.
The Pakistan team’s batting has been a significant concern throughout the series, with the players struggling to reach the 200-run mark in any innings. In the first Test at Lord's, Pakistan was bowled out for a mere 110 runs in their first innings, chasing a daunting target of 388 in the second innings, they succumbed to a 194-run defeat. Such performances have intensified scrutiny on the players, but Latif insists that the focus should also shift to the decision-makers behind the scenes.
As the series stands, England has already secured a 2-0 lead, with the third and final Test scheduled for September 9 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. In light of the team's struggles, significant changes are anticipated, including the potential sacking of red-ball coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, with white-ball coach Mike Hesson poised to take over for the last Test. The PCB's decisions in the coming days will be crucial in determining the future direction of Pakistan cricket.
With the national team underperforming and facing mounting criticism, the need for a thorough evaluation of the PCB's structure and strategies has never been more urgent. As Latif aptly pointed out, addressing the root causes of the team's decline is essential for restoring Pakistan cricket to its former glory.
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