Islamabad, Pakistan – Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has issued a strategic recommendation to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB): shield star batsman Babar Azam from the often-intense scrutiny of the English media during the team’s challenging upcoming three-Test tour of England. Latif believes this tactical maneuver could mitigate unnecessary external pressure on a key player during a pivotal series.

Latif’s counsel suggests that Babar, despite his experience, could become a target for the English press, known for its rigorous questioning and sometimes sensationalist approach to touring teams. To counter this, he has put forward former Pakistan captain Shan Masood as a more suitable candidate to handle the bulk of media interactions during the tour.

“An England tour is a difficult assignment, and the English media often tries to unnecessarily involve visiting teams in news stories,” Rashid stated in an interview with Geo News. His comments underscore a long-held perception within the cricketing fraternity regarding the English media landscape.

“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. This advice points to a proactive strategy to manage media narratives and protect critical player focus.

Latif elaborated on his rationale for Masood, stating, “Shan has played in England and has better experience of dealing with the English media.” Masood’s familiarity with the local cricketing culture and media dynamics, forged during his stints in county cricket, is seen as a valuable asset for navigating potentially tricky press conferences.

Latif’s timely intervention follows Babar Azam’s significant contributions in Pakistan’s recently concluded two-Test series against the West Indies. Despite the team’s initial struggles, Babar showcased his resilience and class.

In the first Test at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, where Pakistan suffered a 90-run defeat, Babar remained unbeaten on 58. His innings was a lone beacon amidst a collapse that saw Pakistan bowled out for 120 while chasing 211, leaving him stranded as the rest of the batting order crumbled.

He continued his strong form in the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, crafting a crucial 88 off 147 balls in Pakistan’s first innings. This knock was instrumental in helping Pakistan reach a formidable total of 387, surpassing the West Indies’ first-innings score of 344.

Babar then sealed a memorable series-leveling victory with an unbeaten 24 off 30 balls in the second innings, guiding Pakistan to chase down a modest target of 75 with eight wickets in hand.

This triumph was particularly significant, as it ended Pakistan’s eight-match losing streak in away Tests and marked Babar’s first overseas Test win since reassuming the captaincy. The momentum from this victory will be crucial as the team prepares for the rigorous English conditions.

Pakistan’s demanding England tour is set to commence with the first Test at Headingley in Leeds on August 19. The caravan then moves to the iconic Lord’s for the second Test starting August 27, before concluding with the third and final Test at Edgbaston from September 9. The PCB’s approach to media management, particularly concerning its captain, will undoubtedly be a point of interest as the tour unfolds.