Rashid Latif Resigns as Captain of Pakistan

Rashid Resigns
By SS
September 24 2003

Rashid Latif has called it a day as captain of Pakistan ahead of the South African series. Rashid has had a string of clashes with Aamir Sohail and Tauqir Zia and has thrown in the towel.

Even in the crazy world of Pakistani cricket todays events are remarkable. Whilst most fans minds were on the announcement of the series against South Africa now being back on, Rashid Latif the outspoken captain of Pakistan sensationally called time on his captaincy. The timing of the announcement is remarkable given that Rashid has not even captained the team in the last 5 matches and also a week before the South African tourists arrive.

The South African series would have given Rashid an ideal opportunity to test his captaincy against quality opposition and also given him the chance to become a poular figure in Pakistani cricketing circles, where he is not flavour of the month.

Rashid was brought back to the helm after the terrible World Cup performance and after many of the senior players were forced into early retirement. He was given the job of rebuilding the team with a mixture of youth and experience.

The troubles have been a plenty, with team selection being the most controversial aspect of his tenure. Rashid and Javed Miandad have both voiced concerns about the way squads have been selected and the lack of input they have into the selection of squads. Both Javed and Rashid have gone on record to criticize certain player selections and it has been obvious that there have been many clashes behind the scenes with Aamir Sohail.

Rashid has also lost the confidence of Tauqir Zia, after he wrote to the ICC about match fixing, without the authority of the PCB. Although Rashid apologized, it certainly created an embarrassing situation for the PCB. Rumours were a plenty in the Pakistani press that Rashid was on the way out, but whether he was forced out or quit is unknown.

Rashid has always been a headstrong and outspoken character off the field, although on the field he seems to be the total opposite. His record has not been remarkable of late and under severe pressure has been found lacking in confidence and mental strength.

The most disappointing and unprofessional aspect of todays events is that Rashid allegedly has not confirmed his resignation directly to the PCB, instead it appears that he confirmed it through a news agency.

He has stated that he wishes to continue playing for Pakistan and it will be interesting whether he is selected for the South African matches, or whether one of the young but relatively untried wicketkeepers is brought in.

Inzamam ul Haq seems the logical replacement for the immediate future, but logic and the PCB do not always go hand in hand.

One thing is for sure though, Rashids autobiography when written will be a must read for all Pakistani cricket fans.