Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Rashid Latif has raised serious concerns over Babar Azam's future within the national setup. Following the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) recent high-profile sackings and selection changes, Latif warns that the star batsman could face a similar fate as his recently dropped teammates.
- Rashid Latif warns Babar Azam could be the next target after recent PCB sackings.
- The PCB has restructured its selection committee, leading to major squad changes.
- The ongoing Pakistan vs England Test series remains a high-stakes battleground for team stability.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has plunged the national team into a state of high alert following a series of radical selection decisions. Ahead of the crucial final Test against England, former Pakistan captain and veteran wicketkeeper Rashid Latif has issued a blunt warning regarding the future of the nation's premier batsman, Babar Azam. Latif’s comments come in the wake of Babar being rested—or as many analysts believe, dropped—from the squad for the second and third Test matches.
Latif used the term "remote control" to describe the current decision-making process within the PCB, implying that external forces or arbitrary administrative decisions are dictating team selection rather than merit or long-term strategy. He expressed deep concern that Babar Azam, despite his stellar historical record, is being systematically sidelined. "If the current trend of arbitrary sackings and 'remote-controlled' decisions continues, Babar Azam will be the next permanent target," Latif remarked during a recent media appearance.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the instability within the PCB selection committee not only damages player morale but also threatens Pakistan's global standing in Test cricket. When premier players like Babar Azam are subjected to rapid policy shifts, it signals a systemic governance crisis that deters sponsorships and undermines team cohesion ahead of major ICC tournaments.
"A cricket board run by reactive decisions rather than proactive strategy will always struggle to find consistency on the field." - Rashid Latif
Historically, Pakistan cricket has been notorious for its volatile administrative shifts. Whenever the national team suffers a series defeat, the PCB frequently resorts to wholesale changes in coaching staff, selection committees, and captaincy, rather than addressing grassroots issues. The recent dropping of Babar Azam, alongside key pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, marks one of the most drastic selection overhauls in recent memory.
| Timeline / Metric | Babar Azam (2021-2022) | Babar Azam (2023-2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Test Average | Over 60.00 | Under 30.00 |
| Centuries Scored | 6 Centuries | 0 Centuries |
| Team Captaincy Status | All-Format Captain | Resigned / Replaced |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why was Babar Azam dropped from the Test squad against England?
A1: The PCB selection committee officially stated that Babar Azam, along with Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, was "rested" to help them regain form and fitness, though many experts view it as a tactical drop due to poor recent Test form.
Q2: What did Rashid Latif mean by "remote control" selection?
A2: Latif referred to the perception that the selection committee is being heavily influenced by external administrative figures and pressure groups rather than operating as an independent, merit-based body.
