Rashid Latif backtracks, offers unconditional apology to PCB

KARACHI: Former test cricketer Rashid Latif has apologised to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and other stakeholders over his recent statements.

In a long tweet on X, he said that his intention was never to implicate any player, board official or relevant individual in any matter.

Explaining his concerns regarding surrogate advertising, Rashid Latif said that his reservations were solely related to potential violations of government guidelines, and were not aimed at pointing fingers at any individual or organisation.

He stressed that he had neither intentionally nor unintentionally intended to portray anyone as being involved in any wrongdoing.

He also retracted his earlier comments about Mohammad Rizwan’s removal from captaincy. Terming his own remarks incorrect, he said it was inappropriate, baseless and unsupported by credible evidence to suggest that Rizwan’s pro-Palestine stance was the reason behind the decision.

He admitted that this assumption was wrong and inappropriate.

Rashid Latif said that he regretted any discomfort his comments may have caused to any individual or institution. He unconditionally withdrew all his statements and assured that his future remarks would be factual and responsible. The former captain added that Pakistan’s honour was paramount to him, and he would never engage in any act that could damage the country’s reputation.

In the tweet, he further said: “Going forward, I shall endeavour to ensure that my public commentary remains measured, evidence-based, and free from conjecture, particularly when addressing matters of sensitivity or issues that may carry significant implications. I am an advocate of responsible broadcasting, research-based journalism, and objective analysis.”