Rashid Latif urges PCB to limit Babar Azam’s ‘media duties’ during England tour

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has advised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reduce newly appointed Test captain Babar Azam’s ‘media commitments’ during the upcoming tour of England, suggesting that Shan Masood could handle more of the team’s interactions with the English press.

Babar is set to lead Pakistan in a three-Test series against England, beginning at Headingley in Leeds on August 19, putting the batter under renewed scrutiny ahead of a challenging overseas assignment.

Speaking on Geo News’ Score, former Pakistan captain Latif described the England tour as a difficult challenge, saying visiting teams could face additional pressure from the local media. He suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should allow Babar to focus on his on-field responsibilities while assigning more media duties to former Test captain Shan Masood.

Latif said Masood’s experience of playing in England and dealing with the local press made him better suited to handle media interactions during the tour. He also suggested that Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Abbas could represent Pakistan in media engagements.

“Babar is an experienced player, so it would be better for the PCB management to keep him away from the English media and send former captain Shan Masood to speak to them more often,” Latif said.

He added that an England tour was a difficult assignment and that the English media often tried to involve visiting teams in news stories.

Babar’s return as Test captain comes after Pakistan drew a two-match series against the West Indies. He played a key role in the second Test, scoring 88 in the first innings and remaining unbeaten on 24 during Pakistan’s eight-wicket victory. The win ended Pakistan’s eight-match losing streak in overseas Tests and gave Babar his first victory as captain in an away Test.

Pakistan’s England series will be considerably more demanding, with the first Test scheduled at Headingley from August 19 to 23. The second will be played at Lord’s from August 27 to 31, while the final Test is scheduled for September 9 to 13 at Edgbaston.

The series will be Pakistan’s first Test tour of England since 2020 and forms part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.