Rashid Latif, former Pakistan captain, has suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should limit Babar Azam's interactions with the English media during the team's upcoming three-Test tour of England.
The PCB is set to face a challenging assignment in England, where the team will face scrutiny from the local media. Latif believes that Babar could come under unnecessary attention and has suggested that former Pakistan captain Shan Masood should handle more of the team's media interactions during the series. "An England tour is a difficult assignment, and the English media often tries to unnecessarily involve visiting teams in news stories," Latif said while speaking to Geo News.
Babar Azam is an experienced player, but the English media can be tough to navigate. In his recent two-Test series against the West Indies, Babar made significant contributions to Pakistan's wins. He remained unbeaten on 58 in the first Test and scored 88 off 147 balls in the second Test.
Shan Masood, on the other hand, has played in England and has better experience dealing with the local media. Latif believes that Masood would be better suited to handle the media interactions, allowing Babar to focus on the game. "Shan has played in England and has better experience of dealing with the English media," Latif said.
Pakistan will now prepare for their England tour, with the first Test scheduled to begin at Headingley in Leeds on August 19. The second Test will be played at Lord's from August 27, while the series will conclude at Edgbaston from September 9. The PCB will have to carefully manage Babar's media interactions to ensure that he remains focused on the game.
The England tour is a significant assignment for Pakistan, and the team will be under pressure to perform. With Babar's contributions in the recent series against the West Indies, the team is looking strong, but the English media will be watching closely. The PCB will have to navigate this challenge carefully to ensure that Babar remains focused on the game.
Source: Yahoo Sports