From Rohail Nazir to Saad Baig: Rashid Latif accuses selectors of overlooking domestic talent

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has raised serious concerns over Pakistan's selection policies, arguing that several talented cricketers have been overlooked despite strong domestic performances, while established names continue to receive opportunities.

Latif's remarks came after wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghouri scored an impressive half-century while batting at number four, a knock that further strengthened his case and intensified competition among Pakistan's wicketkeeping options.

https://x.com/irashidlatif68/status/2061046915773636857?s=46

Reflecting on Pakistan Shaheens' 2021 tour of New Zealand, Latif highlighted the case of Rohail Nazir, who captained the side despite leading a squad packed with players who had either already represented Pakistan internationally or would go on to do so. The squad included names such as Abdullah Shafique, Haider Ali, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Usman Qadir, and Haris Rauf. Despite his leadership credentials and consistent performances, Rohail Nazir managed to play only three T20 Internationals for Pakistan, often appearing as a concussion substitute rather than receiving a sustained opportunity. Latif questioned why Rohail was never given an extended run, particularly in formats where he could have showcased his abilities more effectively.

The former wicketkeeper also pointed to the cases of Haseebullah and Saad Baig. Haseebullah maintained a List-A batting average above 45 and delivered strong performances, yet failed to secure a long-term place in the national setup. Similarly, Saad Baig scored over 1,000 runs during the recent first-class season and impressed behind the stumps in List-A cricket, but was overlooked for selection. Latif further criticized Pakistan's handling of young spin-bowling prospects. He noted that Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram, Abrar Ahmed, and Sufyan Moqim were all considered highly promising talents, yet opportunities at the highest level remained limited. According to Latif, frequent changes and short selection windows have hindered the development of several emerging players. The former captain also questioned the return of all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz to the national side. Nawaz, who went unsold initially in the PSL draft before being picked by Islamabad United in the Silver category, scored 88 runs and claimed two wickets in four matches before earning selection for Pakistan's ODI and T20I squads. Latif suggested that his inclusion came at the expense of younger players who were waiting for opportunities.

He further argued that performers such as Khushdil Shah, who delivered consistently in recent PSL seasons and contributed in ODI cricket, have not received the backing they deserved. Latif expressed concern that Pakistan's continued reliance on experienced players such as Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz has not translated into success at major ICC tournaments. He warned that strong performances in bilateral and tri-series competitions against relatively weaker opposition should not distract from the team's struggles on the global stage.

Concluding his remarks, Latif urged selectors to reward domestic performers and provide consistent opportunities to emerging players, insisting that Pakistan cricket's future depends on merit-based selections rather than short-term decisions.