‘You have become a dummy captain’ – Rashid Latif’s scathing attack on Babar Azam after Pakistan squad overhaul

Pakistan’s cricket administration has sent back seven players and two coaches from the ongoing England tour following poor Test performances. The Men in Green have lost the first two Tests without putting up much of a fight, and the Three Lions have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead with a game to spare. The squad overhaul has triggered sharp criticism from former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif, who has questioned captain Babar Azam‘s leadership response to the changes.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recalled Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq and four other players, along with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, from the England tour.

Latif’s comments came during a discussion on his YouTube show, where he expressed strong views about Babar’s handling of the situation, especially on taking accountability for the doldrums in Pakistan cricket.

“Babar should have resigned here. Half of the team has been sent back home. If I were in his place, I would have given up the captaincy. You have become a dummy captain. There’s a difference between a leader and a captain,” Latif said.

Latif’s criticism of Babar’s captaincy response

Latif expanded on his criticism by highlighting Babar’s apparent inaction in the face of the coaching changes. The former cricketer pointed to the removal of Sarfaraz Ahmed, who led Pakistan to Champions Trophy success, as a significant moment that demanded a captain’s response.

“You have sent seven players back. Imam, I understand, was injured. But still, you are sending six players back. You sent back your coach, your mentor. The coach who won the Champions Trophy.” Latif said.

“You sent Umar Gul back. You aren’t standing up for your team. Your coach has been sidelined, and you are sitting quietly. It shows that the PCB always needs a dummy captain,” he added.

The broader context of Pakistan’s England tour

Babar was reappointed as Pakistan’s Test captain on July 5, 2026, replacing Shan Masood. The England tour comprises three Test matches scheduled from August 19 to September 13, 2026. Pakistan’s first Test began at Headingley, Leeds on August 19, with the second Test following at Lord’s.

Babar’s personal performance in England has been challenging. He scored 8 and 6 in the second Test at Lord’s, with his second-innings dismissal coming to a short ball from Jofra Archer. The first Test ended in three days, while the second Test concluded in four days despite rain interruptions.

Also Read: ‘Ridiculous decisions by PCB’ – Ex-Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur slams selectors for squad overhaul after Lord’s defeat

White-ball coach Mike Hesson oversaw Pakistan’s final Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, as the tour continued. The squad changes represented a significant intervention by the PCB during an active international series, raising questions about the decision-making process and the captain’s role in such matters.