Rashid Latif Warns Babar Azam of England Media Pressure, Urges Shan Masood Change

Babar Azam’s return to the Pakistan Test captaincy has produced a mixed start, and the pressure on the former Pakistan skipper is expected to increase when the team begins its upcoming tour of England. Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif has warned that Babar could face intense scrutiny from the English media and suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board should take steps to protect him from external pressure. Latif has also brought Shan Masood into the discussion as Pakistan considers how best to manage its Test leadership.

Babar’s return to the leadership role began with Pakistan’s two-Test series against the West Indies, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Pakistan suffered a defeat in the opening Test but responded strongly in the second match, recording a convincing eight-wicket victory to level the series. The result prevented Pakistan from suffering a series loss and provided a much-needed boost to a side attempting to improve its position in the World Test Championship standings.

The comeback was particularly important because Pakistan had been struggling for consistency in Test cricket. The team entered the second Test under pressure after losing the opener, but its eight-wicket win demonstrated that it could respond effectively after a setback. The series draw also allowed Pakistan to climb off the bottom of the World Test Championship table, although the team remains eighth in the standings. The position means Pakistan still has significant ground to cover if it wants to remain competitive in the championship cycle.

Also Read: Babar Azam Accepted Pakistan Test Captaincy With All-Format Condition, Report Says

The England tour is expected to present a considerably more demanding environment. Playing Test cricket in England brings its own sporting challenges, while Pakistan’s performances are traditionally followed closely by the English media and supporters. Babar, having returned to the captaincy, is likely to attract particular attention because his leadership and individual performances will be assessed alongside the team’s results. Latif’s warning therefore centres on the need for the PCB to manage the external pressure surrounding its captain rather than allowing media scrutiny to become an additional distraction for the team.

Latif’s reference to Shan Masood also adds to the debate over Pakistan’s Test leadership structure. Masood is an experienced Test cricketer and has previously led Pakistan in the longest format. The suggestion indicates that there are discussions over whether responsibility could be distributed differently to ease the pressure on Babar. However, the available information does not establish that the PCB is planning to remove Babar from the captaincy or replace him with Masood. Any change would therefore remain a matter of speculation unless formally confirmed by Pakistan’s cricket authorities.

For Babar, the England assignment could become an important test of his return to Test leadership. The 1-1 result against the West Indies has provided some encouragement, but Pakistan’s eighth-place position in the World Test Championship means stronger and more consistent performances will be required. The team will enter the England tour with the confidence of having recovered from a Test defeat, but the level of scrutiny is likely to be significantly higher. Latif’s comments have highlighted the importance of protecting Babar from unnecessary distractions while allowing him and the team to focus on results. Whether the PCB follows any of the former cricketer’s suggestions, including the possibility of involving Masood differently, remains to be seen as Pakistan prepares for its next major Test challenge.

Also Read: Babar Azam Accepted Pakistan Test Captaincy With All-Format Condition, Report Says