Rashid Latif Wants Babar Azam Kept Clear of English Media on England Tour
Rashid Latif suggests the PCB let Shan Masood and others handle press duties on Pakistan’s Test tour of England, which starts at Headingley on August 19.
By SportCricket Desk · 11 Aug 2026 · 3 min read
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif has urged the PCB to limit Babar Azam’s exposure to the English media during the upcoming Test tour. Drawing on his own tours of England in 1992, 1996 and 2001, Latif said visiting sides can find the local press difficult and should manage media duties carefully.
Speaking on Geo News’ Score, he said an England tour is a tough assignment and that the media there often try to pull touring teams into stories unnecessarily.
Who should face the press
Latif considers Babar an important, experienced figure, but felt it would be better to keep him away from English reporters. He suggested former captain Shan Masood speak more often, since Masood has played in England and is better versed in dealing with the media there.
Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Abbas were his other suggestions. The aim, he said, would be to let key players and the leadership group concentrate on preparation and match tactics.
The tour schedule
The three-Test series opens at Headingley, Leeds, on August 19. The second Test is at Lord’s from August 27, and the last is at Edgbaston, Birmingham, from September 9. It is Pakistan’s first Test series in England since 2020 and part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.
Pakistan arrive after a 1-1 draw in a two-Test series against the West Indies. Babar has returned as Test captain after Masood’s spell in charge ended following a difficult run of results, adding to the responsibility he carries into the England trip.
