Rashid Latif’s Advice for Babar Azam Ahead of England Tour
Rashid Latif believes the Pakistan Cricket Board should limit Babar Azam’s interactions with the English media during the next three-Test series against England.
The former Pakistan wicketkeeper believes that by carefully managing media coverage, the team will be able to focus on cricket during a challenging tour.
Rashid Latif drew on personal experience, having visited England several times throughout his playing career, including in 1992, 1996, and 2001. Latif, speaking on Geo News’ Score, voiced discontent with the English media’s coverage of visiting teams during their tour of England. He suggested alternative techniques to the PCB management.
Why Rashid Latif supports limiting Babar’s appearance in the media
Despite his experience as captain, Rashid Latif believes Babar would benefit from having fewer media commitments during this tour. To allow Babar to focus on strategy and preparation, the former cricket player turned consultant suggested that the PCB assign experienced players, such as former captain Shan Masood, to handle public relations. Shan has played in England and has more experience dealing with the English media,” Rashid Latif explained.
Other tour representatives in the media
In addition to Masood, Latif suggested Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Abbas as suitable replacements for managing the tour’s media obligations. This tactic would spare the team’s leadership from the distractions of regular media appearances, allowing them to focus on preparation and match planning.
The first Test of Pakistan’s three-Test series against England will be held at Headingley Stadium in Leeds from August 19 to 23. The second Test will be held at Lord’s from August 27 to 31, followed by the third Test on September 9 to 13 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. This tour, part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle 2025-27, was Pakistan’s first Test series in England since 2020.
Pakistan had significant momentum heading into the England match after drawing their two-Test series against the West Indies 1-1. After Shan Masood’s term ended owing to poor performance, Babar took over as Test captain, giving the current captain extra responsibilities during this critical tour.
