Rashid Latif advises Babar Azam to step away from T20I team of Pakistan

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has praised the Pakistan cricket team’s recent improvement in T20 cricket, crediting Salman Ali Agha as a key reason behind the team’s stronger run-scoring performances.

Speaking in a podcast hosted by Noman Niaz, alongside former cricketer Abdul Rauf Khan, Latif highlighted how Pakistan has progressed from struggling to reach 200 runs to consistently posting 200+ totals — a transformation he largely attributed to Agha’s impact.

Latif recalled that Salman Ali Agha was once labeled “not a T20 player,” but acknowledged that the batter has successfully adapted his game, improved his strike rate, and proven his value in the shortest format.

“We used to say he wasn’t a T20 player, but the way he has changed his approach, he has improved a lot. Now he looks like a proper T20 player,” Latif remarked.

Host Noman Niaz added that Agha’s rise has come at a crucial moment, noting that the PSL auction is approaching, which could boost his market value and potentially elevate his central contract category.

The discussion later shifted to Babar Azam’s struggles, when Noman Niaz commented that the former Pakistan captain has become vulnerable against Adam Zampa, calling him a “bunny” of the Australian leg-spinner.

In response, Rashid Latif made a bold suggestion, drawing a comparison with Pat Cummins, who previously stepped away from Australia’s T20I setup. Rashid Latif indirectly asked PCB to come up with some excuse declaring Babar Azam unfit for the T20 World Cup eventually dropping him from the squad.

“Just like Pat Cummins apologized and removed himself from Australia’s T20I team, Babar Azam should consider stepping away from Pakistan’s T20I side,” Latif said, implying that it could benefit both the player and the team.

Latif’s remarks have sparked debate among fans and analysts, adding fresh fuel to ongoing discussions about Pakistan’s T20 direction, Babar Azam’s role, and the future leadership of the national side.