Pakistan Cricket in Freefall as Former Captain Blames Mohsin Naqvi-Led PCB for Team's Collapse

Pakistan cricket is facing renewed criticism after former captain Rashid Latif launched a scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, following the national team's latest humiliating defeat against England at Lord's. Pakistan suffered a crushing 194-run defeat in the second Test, handing England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The visitors have struggled throughout the tour, particularly with their batting, prompting growing questions about the deteriorating state of Pakistan cricket.

Latif argued that the blame for Pakistan's continued decline should not be placed solely on the players. He accused the PCB administration, selectors and coaching staff of collectively contributing to the team's disastrous situation. Responding to criticism describing the current side as one of Pakistan's poorest touring teams in decades, Latif turned the spotlight towards those running the country's cricket system.

“Everyone is talking about the Pakistan team and how it is the worst touring team in the last 50 years,” he said. “But nobody is speaking about how the current board is the worst in the last 70 years.” The former wicketkeeper-batter also criticised the selection committee and coaching setup, arguing that the failures within Pakistan cricket extended far beyond the players on the field. According to Latif, the combination of poor administration, questionable selection and ineffective coaching had pushed the national team into its present crisis.

Pakistan's batting failures have been particularly alarming during the England series. The team has failed to score more than 200 runs even once, repeatedly leaving its bowlers with little opportunity to compete against England's strong batting lineup. Captain Babar Azam's return in the second Test was expected to provide much-needed stability, but he managed scores of just 8 and 6. His struggles against England's pace attack further highlighted the wider problems confronting Pakistan's fragile batting order.

The Lord's Test was also overshadowed by controversy away from the field after Sky Sports aired an interview involving the sons of former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan. Reports suggested that the PCB had objected strongly to the broadcast and had allegedly considered drastic action, although members of the Pakistan team denied knowledge of any such plan.

While the off-field controversy eventually had no impact on the match, England completed another comprehensive victory, leaving Pakistan with serious questions to answer before the final Test at Edgbaston. Latif's extraordinary criticism reflects the growing frustration surrounding Pakistan cricket. With poor performances continuing and confidence in the administration declining, the pressure is mounting on Mohsin Naqvi and the PCB leadership to explain why the Pakistan continues to slide deeper into crisis.