Former cricketer Rashid Latif has urged the Pakistan cricket team to set aside the captaincy controversy and focus on winning the upcoming T20 World Cup in June. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Latif expressed his hope that Babar and Shaheen would move past the issue and perform well in the T20 series against New Zealand, starting on April 18.
“It’s imperative for them to start winning matches; they have no other choice now. With the T20 World Cup approaching, they need to regain their peak form as a team and secure victories,” Latif emphasized.
Recent changes within Pakistan cricket, including alterations in the selection committee and captaincy, under the leadership of chairman Mohsin Naqvi, have stirred controversy. Just ahead of the T20 World Cup, Shaheen Shah Afridi was abruptly replaced as captain, with Babar Azam reinstated as the skipper for white-ball cricket.
Reports suggest Afridi, who had been struggling with form and faced a rough patch in the Pakistan Super League, was discontented with the decision. The situation escalated when a statement attributed to him in support of Babar’s captaincy was endorsed by the board without his consent, leading to crisis discussions with Naqvi.
The Pakistani team is set to face New Zealand and Ireland before the T20 World Cup, which will be held in the United States and the West Indies.
“We possess a talented team with skilled players. To overcome this turmoil, the most effective approach would be to win matches, and winning the World Cup would be the ultimate response from the team,” Latif remarked.
Latif attributed the captaincy upheaval to the instability within the Pakistan Cricket Board.
“The new chairman’s (Mohsin Naqvi) desire to change the captain, coupled with previous alterations in the selection committee, has led to this situation. Constant changes breed instability,” he explained.
He noted that such instability has been a recurring issue since 1992, with frequent changes in both board leadership and captaincy.
Despite the challenges, Latif expressed confidence in Shaheen Afridi’s ability to lead Pakistan’s bowling attack.
“Form fluctuates; however, Shaheen has proven himself at the highest level. I believe he will soon regain his peak form,” Latif affirmed.
