Rashid Latif tells PCB to keep Babar Azam away from English media ahead of England Tests

On August 10, 2026, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif told the Geo News programme Score that the Pakistan Cricket Board should keep captain Babar Azam away from the English media during Pakistan's upcoming three-match Test tour of England. Latif also recommended that former captain Shan Masood handle 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," Rashid said while speaking on Geo News programme Score. "Babar Azam 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," he added. "Shan has played in England and has better experience of dealing with the English media," Rashid said.

Latif's remarks followed Babar's recent performances in Pakistan's two-Test series against the West Indies. In the first Test at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Pakistan suffered a 90-run defeat. Babar remained unbeaten on 58 as Pakistan were bowled out for just 120 while chasing 211, with the rest of the batting line-up collapsing.

In the second Test at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain, Babar scored 88 from 147 balls in Pakistan's first innings as his side posted 387 after the West Indies had made 344. He then struck an unbeaten 24 from 30 balls in the second innings as Pakistan chased down 75 to win by eight wickets. The victory levelled the two-Test series 1-1.

The win ended Pakistan's eight-match losing streak in away Tests and provided Babar his first overseas Test victory since returning as captain.

Pakistan will now prepare for the three-Test tour of England, with the first Test scheduled to begin at Headingley in Leeds on August 19, the second Test at Lord's from August 27, and the series concluding at Edgbaston from September 9.