Keep Babar Azam away from English media: Ex-Pak captain makes bizarre request
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has made a bizarre request to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), suggesting that Babar Azam should be kept away from the English media during the team’s upcoming three-match Test tour of England.
Latif believes Babar could face significant scrutiny from the English media and has instead urged the PCB to send former captain Shan Masood to handle media interactions during the series.
“An England tour is a difficult assignment, and the English media often tries to unnecessarily involve visiting teams in news stories,” Rashid said while speaking on Geo News programme Score.
“Babar Azam is an experienced player, so it would be better for the PCB management to keep him away from the English media and send former captain Shan Masood to speak to them more often,” he added.
“Shan has played in England and has better experience of dealing with the English media,” Rashid said.
BABAR FINDS FORM BEFORE ENGLAND CHALLENGE
Latif’s comments come after Babar produced a significant contribution during Pakistan’s recent two-Test series against the West Indies.
Babar had an unbeaten 58 in Pakistan’s 90-run defeat in the first Test at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba. Pakistan were bowled out for just 120 while chasing 211, with Babar remaining unbeaten as the rest of the batting line-up collapsed.
The Pakistan captain then responded strongly in the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain. He scored 88 from 147 balls in Pakistan’s first innings, helping his side post 387 after the West Indies had made 344. Babar then struck an unbeaten 24 from 30 balls in the second innings as Pakistan chased down 75 to win by eight wickets and level the series 1-1.
The result also ended Pakistan’s eight-match losing streak in away Tests and gave Babar his first overseas Test victory since returning as captain.
Pakistan will now turn their attention towards England, with the first Test scheduled to begin at Headingley in Leeds on August 19. The second Test will be played at Lord’s from August 27, before the series concludes at Edgbaston from September 9.
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