‘Worst cricket board’: Former Pakistan captain’s furious attack on Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB
Pakistan captain Babar Azam and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi (Agency Image) Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has launched a scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its chairman Mohsin Naqvi after the national side suffered yet another heavy defeat against England at Lord’s.Pakistan were beaten by 194 runs in the second Test, giving England an elusive 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The visitors struggled badly throughout the tour, particularly with the bat, and offered England little competition.The poor performances reportedly led sections of the British media to label the Pakistan side as “the worst Pakistani side in 50 years”. Latif agreed with the assessment but argued that the scrutiny should not stop at the players.Instead, the former wicketkeeper-palter pointed the finger at the PCB administration, the selection committee and the coaching staff, claiming that the board itself played a major role in the team’s downfall.“Everyone is talking about the Pakistan team and how it is the worst touring team in the last 50 years. But no one is talking about how the current board is the worst in the last 70 years. No one is talking about the worst selection committee and coaches,” Latif said on Geo News.“If you combine these problems, you will get the answer to your question. You will know who destroyed this team. Now you are losing all the time. This is the worst cricket board, that’s a fact,” he added.
Pakistan’s batting crisis deepens
Pakistan’s biggest problem during the series was 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 to Lord’s hoping his presence would provide stability to a struggling batting line-up. Instead, the Pakistan skipper endured another tough outing, scoring just 8 and 6.His dismissal in the second innings was particularly disappointing as Jofra Archer unsettled him with a sharp bouncer and made Babar look 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 TV station aired an 18-minute interview with Sulaiman and Kasim Khan, sons of former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan. During the program, they discussed their father’s situation and his treatment while he remains in prison.Reports subsequently claimed that the PCB had threatened to withdraw Pakistan from the Test if the interview was broadcast.However, both Babar and Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed denied any knowledge of such a plan.In the end, the controversy did not affect the match, with Pakistan returning to the field as planned. England secured a comprehensive victory to clinch the series.Both sides will now travel to Birmingham for the third and final Test at Edgbaston, starting on September 9.
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