Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif believes sharing media responsibilities could help Babar Azam remain focused during a demanding Test series in England.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has advised the Pakistan Cricket Board to carefully manage Babar Azam’s media commitments during the upcoming Test tour of England, warning that intense attention from the English press could add unnecessary pressure on the Pakistan captain.
Pakistan are set to face England in a three-match Test series, with the opening match scheduled at Headingley in Leeds from Aug. 19 to 23. The second Test will be played at Lord’s from Aug. 27 to 31, while the series will conclude at Edgbaston in Birmingham from Sept. 9 to 13.
Speaking on a television programme, Latif described an England tour as a demanding challenge and suggested that Babar should not be required to handle every media engagement himself.
Latif’s recommendation is not to keep Babar completely away from the media. Instead, he believes experienced players could share the responsibility of facing difficult questions and representing the team.
He specifically pointed to Shan Masood, who previously captained Pakistan in Test cricket and has extensive experience playing in England. Latif also named Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Abbas as players who could assist with media duties.
Babar was reappointed Pakistan’s Test captain in July, replacing Masood, and has been confirmed to lead the side on the England and West Indies Test tours.
Pakistan enter the England assignment after beating the West Indies by eight wickets in Port of Spain to level their two-match Test series 1-1.
The England tour will provide another major test for Babar in his dual role as batter and captain. With expectations surrounding him likely to remain high, Latif’s comments highlight the importance of managing both on-field responsibilities and external pressure.
Pakistan Test Squad for England
Babar Azam (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.
About The Author
