Former Pakistan cricketers Rashid Latif and Ramiz Raja have criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for allegedly trying to create division within the team by pitting players against each other. According to a media report, the PCB selection panel is considering resting some senior players, including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, for the upcoming Afghanistan series. The report further adds that Shaheen Afridi is likely to lead the team in place of Babar. However, Babar and Rizwan are not interested in taking rest from the series.
Latif has accused the PCB of attempting to create insecurity among players and disturb team unity. He added,
“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?”
“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.
Raja has also warned against pitting core players against each other, stating that it could destroy team morale and harm Pakistan’s white-ball success under Babar’s captaincy.
“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,”
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
The alleged plot against Babar has caused controversy among cricket fans, with many questioning the PCB’s motives. Will the board succeed in their plan to rest Babar and create division within the team? Only time will tell.
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