'Keep 90s players away from Pakistan cricket,' says Rashid Latif

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has suggested that cricketers from the 90s, especially those from the 1992 World Cup-winning squad, should step away from Pakistan cricket.  

Speaking on a local sports show, Latif questioned why Pakistan has struggled to win ICC tournaments consistently. He believes that keeping the 90s players out of both team management and selection could help Pakistan cricket move forward.  

"It took 17 years [for Pakistan to win another World Cup] because the 90s players did not spare Pakistan cricket," Latif said.  

"Keep 90s players away from management and from the team as well, then they will try to win. They have been serving Pakistan cricket for so long now. So, I think, they should rest now."  

Latif's comments come after Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. The defending champions were knocked out just five days into the tournament.  

Pakistan started their campaign on February 19 in Karachi with a 60-run loss to New Zealand. They then suffered a six-wicket defeat against India, with Virat Kohli playing a match-winning century. Their final group match against Bangladesh was abandoned without a ball bowled, leaving them with just one point from three matches.  

Pakistan, who won the Champions Trophy in 2017 under Sarfaraz Ahmed, struggled to perform this time. Latif’s remarks suggest that a change in leadership and management could help the team regain success in major tournaments.