Raja, Latif slam new PCB regime for campaign against Babar Azam

Former Pakistan cricketer, Rashid Latif, has slammed the new PCB regime, led by Najam Sethi, for trying to campaign against Pakistan captain, Babar Azam.

According to a media report, the selection panel led by Haroon Rasheed, is considering a proposal to rest some senior players, including Babar and Rizwan for Afghanistan series. The report further added that Shaheen Afridi is likely to lead the Pakistan team in place of Babar and the Lahore Qalandars' captain has been consulted regarding it.

However, Babar and Rizwan, are not keen on taking rest from the aforementioned series.

"It is not an issue of captaincy. It is a matter of power. It is about players’ power. Shaheen, Fakhar, Babar, Rizwan, Shadab are a united bunch. So how do they [PCB] divide them?" Latif said.

"They are trying to rest Babar and Rizwan for a brief period and make Shaheen captain, in order to create insecurity among players and disturb the unity. They are playing divide and rule policy. I don’t think they will be successful," he added.

Former PCB chairman, Ramiz Raja, also echoed similar thoughts as Latif.

"Pitting Pak’s core players: Babar, Shadab and Shaheen against each other over captaincy battle will not only destroy a great dug out environment but kill a great white ball story built under Babar. Please learn from history as this is how Pakistan cricket was destroyed in the 90’s," said Raja.

Pitting Pak’s core players:Babar, Shadab & Shaheen against each other over captaincy battle will not only destroy a great dug out environment but kill a great white ball story built under Babar. Pls Learn from history as this is how Pak cricket was destroyed in the 90’s!!

— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) March 12, 2023