Former Pakistan captain
Latif expressed his frustration over the board’s tendency to operate the national side via what he described as “remote control.” He questioned the logic behind sending coaches Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul to the United Kingdom initially, only to remove them from the set-up shortly after. The former captain’s comments highlight a growing concern among observers about the lack of stability and clear decision-making processes within the current setup.
Questions Over Authority and Accountability
The controversy deepened as Latif pointed to the recent departures of former coaches Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten, both of whom reportedly stepped down due to disputes over their level of authority and operational freedom. By highlighting these exits, Latif suggested that the PCB’s interference is a recurring issue that undermines the professional standing of those tasked with leading the team.
Addressing the position of current Test captain
A Pattern of Instability
The PCB’s decision to overhaul the squad has been met with widespread criticism from various high-profile figures, including Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Ramiz Raja, Basit Ali, and Shahid Afridi. Critics argue that such drastic measures in the middle of a series only serve to exacerbate the instability of a side already struggling for form. Despite the backlash, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has defended the move, maintaining that the board deemed the changes necessary for the team's future.
These developments occur against a backdrop of long-term struggles for Pakistan in the longest format. The team currently sits at the bottom of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, marking their fourth consecutive cycle finishing in the bottom half of the table. The leadership situation has remained fluid as well; earlier in 2026, the PCB replaced Shan Masood with Babar Azam following a series defeat to Bangladesh. While Babar’s return initially provided a brief period of stability during a drawn series against the West Indies, the recent losses in England have once again plunged the team into a period of intense uncertainty.
