Latif warns of media scrutiny on 'difficult' England assignment

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to limit star batter Babar Azam's exposure to the English media during the national team's forthcoming three-Test tour of England, warning that visiting sides are routinely dragged into unnecessary headlines.

"An England tour is a difficult assignment, and the English media often tries to unnecessarily involve visiting teams in news stories," Latif said while speaking to Geo News. "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 argued that Masood, who has played in England, is better equipped to handle the pressure of press conferences. "Shan has played in England and has better experience of dealing with the English media," he added.

Babar's form boost ahead of tour

The advice comes after Babar produced a series of valuable contributions in Pakistan's recent two-Test tour of the West Indies, which finished level at 1-1.

In the opening Test at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Babar remained unbebeaten on 58 as Pakistan were bowled out for 120 chasing a target of 211, suffering a 90-run defeat. He then scored 88 off 147 balls in Pakistan's first innings of the second Test at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, helping the side reach 387 in reply to the West Indies' 344. He added an unbeaten 24 off 30 balls in the second innings as Pakistan chased down 75 to win by eight wickets and level the series.

The victory ended Pakistan's eight-match losing streak in away Tests and handed Babar his first overseas Test win since returning as captain.

England series schedule

Pakistan now turn their attention to England, with the first Test scheduled to begin at Headingley in Leeds on August 19. The second Test follows at Lord's from August 27, and the series concludes at Edgbaston from September 9.