Following a disastrous Test series in England, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has harshly criticized Babar Azam for his perceived lack of leadership during a massive squad reshuffle.
- Major Test squad reshuffle in Pakistan following defeats in England.
- Rashid Latif labels Babar Azam a 'dummy captain' for failing to support his team.
- Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have been removed.
- Pakistan's batting performance has been critically poor throughout the series.
The Pakistan cricket team is in a state of turmoil following a series of heavy defeats in England. Amidst a massive mid-series squad overhaul, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has launched a scathing attack on the current Test skipper, Babar Azam. Latif accused the star batter of failing to demonstrate true leadership, labeling him a "dummy captain."
The crisis deepened after a crushing 194-run defeat at Lord's, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take drastic measures. Seven players have been sent home, and in a shocking move, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have also been removed from their positions. Latif argues that Babar remained a silent spectator while his support system was dismantled.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this leadership vacuum is contributing to the systemic decline of Pakistan's Test performance. When the hierarchy between players, coaches, and the board collapses, the tactical cohesion of the team is the first casualty.
"Babar should have resigned here. If I were in his place, I would have given up the captaincy. You have become a dummy captain. There’s a difference between a leader and a captain," Rashid Latif stated on his YouTube channel.
Babar Azam's personal form has also come under scrutiny. After replacing Shan Masood as Test captain last month, he missed the opening Test due to injury. In the second Test at Lord's, he struggled significantly, registering scores of just eight and six. This lack of contribution from the captain has only intensified the calls for change.
To stabilize the side for the upcoming Edgbaston Test, the PCB has recalled several key players, including Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, and Aamer Jamal. Furthermore, white-ball head coach Mike Hesson will step in to oversee the Test side, supported by bowling coach Ashley Noffke.
| Role | Outgoing | Incoming/New Status |
|---|---|---|
| Head Coach | Sarfaraz Ahmed | Mike Hesson (In-charge) |
| Bowling Coach | Umar Gul | Ashley Noffke |
| Test Captain | Shan Masood (Former) | Babar Azam (Under Fire) |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Babar Azam being called a 'dummy captain'?
Rashid Latif used the term because he believes Babar failed to stand up for his players and coaches during the recent mass departures from the squad.
2. Who is leading the Pakistan Test team now?
While Babar Azam remains captain, Mike Hesson has taken over the responsibility of managing the Test side for the remainder of the tour.
