"Pakistan cricket is currently in the ICU" - Former captain slams side for string of dismal results

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif blasted the side for a string of poor results over the past year, stating the need for several changes to get things back on track. Pakistan are coming off a woeful 0-2 home Test series whitewash at the hands of Bangladesh, a team they had never lost a red-ball game to.

The Men in Green also endured a horrific 2024 T20 World Cup before the Bangladesh debacle, losing to minnows USA and arch-rivals India to bow out of the tournament before the Super Eights.

In a video doing the rounds on social media, Latif said as quoted by Cricket Pakistan:

"Pakistan cricket is currently in the ICU. They will need a professional doctor. They need technically sound professionals to run things, both physically and financially. Trainers and many other things are required. You can see there are many problems, whether it's on the field or off the field."

The task only gets harder for Pakistan with their next assignment being a three-Test home series against an in-form England side.

Shan Masood's side is yet to win a Test match under his captaincy, losing five consecutive outings - three against Australia and two against Bangladesh.

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"He should let go of the idea of being a captain and focus on freeing himself from mental pressure" - Rashid Latif on Babar Azam's struggles

Pakistan v Ireland - ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024 - Source: Getty

Rashid Latif advised star batter Babar Azam to relinquish white-ball captaincy to focus on his batting. The 29-year-old gave up captaincy in all formats after the 2023 ODI World Cup but was reinstated to the helm in T20Is and ODIs.

Despite not captaining the Test side, Babar endured a dismal series with the willow against Bangladesh, scoring only 64 runs at an average of 16 in four innings. His overall form across all three formats has also dipped considerably since last year, with an average of under 40 in 57 outings.

"We need to remember that he was removed forcefully as captain. When the mind is not functioning correctly, it affects the nerves as well. You try to play hard on every ball. He should let go of the idea of being a captain and focus on freeing himself from mental pressure. The issue seems to be more about mental stress than technical performance, and it's apparent that he is struggling to cope with a significant amount of mental pressure," said Latif.

Babar is currently playing in Pakistan's domestic tournament - Champions One-Day Cup for the Stallions.

He will next play for Pakistan when their home Test series against England starts in Multan on October 7.