Rashid Latif blames PCB for Pakistan's 'worst touring team in 50 years' after Lord's defeat

Pakistan captain Babar Azam and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi (Agency Image)

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has launched a furious attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its chairman Mohsin Naqvi after the national side suffered another heavy defeat against England at Lord’s. Pakistan were beaten by 194 runs in the second Test, giving England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The visitors have struggled badly throughout the tour, particularly with the bat, and have offered little competition to England. The poor performances have reportedly led sections of the British media to label this Pakistan side the “worst Pakistan side in the last 50 years”. Latif agreed with the assessment but argued that the scrutiny should not stop with the players. Instead, the former wicketkeeper-batter pointed the finger at the PCB administration, selection committee and coaching staff, claiming the board itself had played a major role in the team’s decline. “Everyone is talking about the Pakistan team, and how it is the worst touring team in the last 50 years. But nobody is speaking about how the current board is the worst in the last 70 years. Nobody is talking about the worst selection committee and coaches,” Latif said on Geo News. “If you combine these issues, you will get the answer to your question. You will know who has ruined this team. Now you are losing consistently. This is the worst cricket board, that's a fact,” he added.

Pakistan’s batting crisis deepens

Pakistan’s biggest problem during the series has been their batting. The visitors have failed to cross 200 even once in the series, leaving their bowlers with little margin for error.Babar Azam missed the opening Test but returned at Lord’s with hopes that his presence would provide stability to the struggling batting order. Instead, the Pakistan captain endured another difficult outing, scoring just 8 and 6. His second-innings dismissal was particularly disappointing, as Jofra Archer unsettled him with a sharp bouncer and made Babar appear uncomfortable against the short ball. Pakistan’s struggles have now become a major talking point as they prepare for the final Test.

Imran Khan interview adds to Lord’s controversy

The Lord’s Test was also surrounded by an off-field dispute involving the PCB and Sky Sports. The broadcaster aired an 18-minute interview with Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, the sons of former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan. During the programme, they discussed their father’s circumstances and treatment while he remains in prison.

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Reports subsequently claimed that the PCB had threatened to pull Pakistan out of the Test if the interview was broadcast. However, both Babar and Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed denied being aware of any such plan. The controversy ultimately did not affect the match, with Pakistan returning to the field as scheduled. England went on to secure a comprehensive victory and take the series. The two sides will now travel to Birmingham for the third and final Test at Edgbaston, beginning on September 9.

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