Rashid Latif calls for a cautious media strategy

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has advised the Pakistan Cricket Board to keep Babar Azam away from the English media during Pakistan’s upcoming three-Test tour of England.

Latif believes the experienced batter could face intense scrutiny during the series and suggested that former captain Shan Masood should handle more of Pakistan’s media commitments. Speaking to Geo News, he described an England tour as “a difficult assignment” and said the English media often tries to involve visiting teams in news stories unnecessarily.

“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,” Latif said.

He added that Shan Masood’s experience of playing in England made him better equipped to deal with the local media.

Babar regains form against the West Indies

Latif’s comments came after Babar made several important contributions during Pakistan’s recent two-Test series against the West Indies.

Babar remained unbeaten on 58 in Pakistan’s 90-run defeat in the first Test at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, where Pakistan were dismissed for 120 while chasing 211. 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 the visitors post 387 after the West Indies had made 344.

He then finished unbeaten on 24 from 30 balls in the second innings as Pakistan chased down 75 to win by eight wickets and draw the series 1-1. The victory ended Pakistan’s eight-match losing streak in away Tests and gave Babar his first overseas Test win since returning as captain.

Pakistan’s England schedule

Pakistan will begin the three-Test series against England at Headingley in Leeds on August 19. The second Test is scheduled for Lord’s from August 27, before the series concludes at Edgbaston on September 9.