Rashid Latif Advises PCB on Babar Azam Media Exposure

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has advised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to carefully manage Babar Azam’s media appearances during Pakistan’s Test tour of England.

Latif believes the English media environment can be challenging for visiting teams and may sometimes create unnecessary distractions. He wants the PCB to reduce pressure on Babar and allow other experienced players to share media responsibilities during the tour.

Pakistan are preparing for a three-match Test series against England, with the opening Test scheduled to begin at Headingley, Leeds, on August 19, 2026.

Quick Answer

Rashid Latif has advised the PCB to limit Babar Azam’s exposure to the English media during Pakistan’s Test tour. He suggested that Shan Masood should handle more media duties because of his experience in England. Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Abbas could also speak to the media. Latif’s advice is aimed at keeping Babar focused on his captaincy and cricket during the important three-Test series.

Why Rashid Latif Wants Babar Azam’s Media Exposure Limited

Rashid Latif believes playing a Test series in England brings challenges both on and off the field.

Speaking about Pakistan’s tour, the former wicketkeeper-batter said the English media can sometimes pull visiting teams into unnecessary controversies. For that reason, he believes the PCB should be careful when deciding how often Babar Azam appears before the media.

His suggestion does not mean Babar should completely avoid press conferences or interviews. Instead, Latif wants the PCB to manage his media duties and share the responsibility with other senior players.

That approach could give Babar more time to focus on team planning, his batting and the challenges of leading Pakistan in English conditions.

Shan Masood Suggested for Major Media Duties

Rashid Latif believes Shan Masood could play an important role in dealing with the English media.

According to Latif, Masood has experience of playing cricket in England and understands the environment better than many other Pakistan players. That experience could make him a suitable choice for press conferences, interviews and other media engagements.

Masood has also previously captained Pakistan at Test level, which gives him experience in answering questions about team performance, selection and match situations.

By sharing media duties with Masood, Pakistan could reduce some of the off-field pressure on Babar during the series.

Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Abbas Also Named

Shan Masood was not the only player suggested by Rashid Latif.

The former Pakistan captain also named Imam-ul-Haq and experienced fast bowler Mohammad Abbas as possible options for media appearances during the England tour.

Using several senior players for interviews could help Pakistan spread the responsibility across the squad rather than making the captain answer most questions.

It could also give the media different voices from the Pakistan camp while allowing Babar to focus more closely on his role as captain.

Babar Azam Returns to England as Pakistan Test Captain

The England series will be another major assignment for Babar Azam after returning to the role of Pakistan’s Test captain.

The PCB confirmed in July that Babar would captain Pakistan during both the West Indies and England Test series.

Babar has plenty of international experience, but leading Pakistan in England will bring a different test. Conditions can favour fast bowlers, while the captain must also manage team combinations and pressure during a long Test series.

The tour will therefore place attention not only on Babar’s batting but also on his leadership and decision-making.

Latif’s advice appears focused on reducing one part of that workload by giving other experienced players a larger role in media activities.

Pakistan Enter England Series After 1-1 West Indies Draw

Pakistan will enter the England series after drawing their two-Test series against the West Indies 1-1.

West Indies won the opening Test by 90 runs, putting Pakistan under pressure early in the series. Babar’s side responded strongly in the second match in Trinidad and secured an eight-wicket victory to level the series.

The victory was also Pakistan’s first away Test win since July 2023, according to the ICC.

Pakistan will now hope to carry that confidence into England, where they will face a different challenge in conditions that usually provide greater assistance to pace and swing bowling.

England Series Important for World Test Championship

Pakistan’s three Tests against England are also part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.

That makes every match important beyond the result of the bilateral series. Teams earn World Test Championship points from their Test results, meaning wins in England could help Pakistan improve their position in the competition.

Pakistan’s victory over West Indies gave the team an important boost before the England tour. The ICC reported after the Trinidad win that Pakistan improved their position in the World Test Championship race.

The England series therefore gives Babar and his players another opportunity to collect valuable points while trying to build consistency in Test cricket.

Pakistan vs England Test Series 2026 Full Schedule

The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed a three-Test tour of England.

1st Test: August 19-23, 2026 — Headingley, Leeds

2nd Test: August 27-31, 2026 — Lord’s, London

3rd Test: September 9-13, 2026 — Edgbaston, Birmingham

Headingley will host the opening match before the teams move to Lord’s for the second Test. The series will conclude at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

With three Tests at major English venues, Pakistan will need to adjust quickly to different pitches and weather conditions during the tour.

Focus Turns to Babar Azam’s Leadership in England

Rashid Latif’s comments have added another talking point ahead of Pakistan’s Test series against England.

His main message to the PCB is simple: manage Babar Azam’s media responsibilities carefully and allow experienced players such as Shan Masood, Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Abbas to share the workload.

For Pakistan, the bigger challenge will be on the field.

After responding to their opening defeat in the West Indies with a strong win in Trinidad, Babar and his team now face three Tests in England. The series offers Pakistan a chance to build momentum, earn valuable World Test Championship points and test their progress against England in demanding conditions.

How the PCB manages Babar’s workload away from the field may also become part of Pakistan’s wider strategy as the team looks to keep its captain focused on cricket.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What did Rashid Latif say about Babar Azam and the English media?

Rashid Latif advised the PCB to carefully manage Babar Azam’s media appearances during Pakistan’s Test tour of England. He believes limiting unnecessary media pressure could help Babar stay focused on cricket and captaincy.

2. Why does Rashid Latif want Babar Azam’s media exposure limited?

Latif believes the English media can sometimes create extra pressure and controversies for visiting teams. He wants the PCB to reduce distractions around Babar during an important Test series.

3. Who did Rashid Latif suggest for media duties in England?

Rashid Latif suggested Shan Masood should handle more media responsibilities because of his experience in England. He also mentioned Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Abbas as suitable options.

4. Is Babar Azam the Pakistan Test captain for the England series?

Yes. Babar Azam is leading Pakistan in the Test series against England in 2026 after being named captain for the West Indies and England tours.

5. When does the Pakistan vs England Test series 2026 begin?

The first Test between Pakistan and England is scheduled to begin on August 19, 2026, at Headingley in Leeds.

6. How many Test matches will Pakistan play against England in 2026?

Pakistan will play three Test matches against England. The matches will be held at Headingley, Lord’s and Edgbaston.

7. Is the Pakistan vs England Test series part of the World Test Championship?

Yes. The three-match Test series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27, so the results will be important for both teams in the championship standings.