Worst in 70 years: Mohsin Naqvi-led Pakistan board slammed after England debacle

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif has launched a scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), selection committee and coaching staff, saying they are among the worst the country has had in the last five to seven decades after Babar Azam’s side suffered a 194-run defeat to England at Lord’s on Sunday, August 30.

The loss gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series and extended Pakistan's miserable run on their tour of the UK. The visitors have struggled to compete with England, with their batting emerging as their biggest concern.

Pakistan are yet to score 200 in an innings in the series, while their overall performances have drawn criticism from the British media. Latif agreed with suggestions that this is the "worst Pakistan side in the last 50 years" but insisted the players should not take all the blame.

Instead, the former wicketkeeper-batter turned his attention towards the PCB administration, selection committee, and coaching staff.

ENGLAND VS PAKISTAN 2ND TEST DAY 4 HIGHLIGHTS

"Everyone is talking about the Pakistan team, and how it is the worst touring team in the last 50 years. But nobody is speaking about how the current board is the worst in the last 70 years. Nobody is talking about the worst selection committee and coaches," Latif said on Geo News.

"If you combine these issues, you will get the answer to your question. You will know who has ruined this team. Now you are losing consistently. This is the worst cricket board, that's a fact," he added.

PAKISTAN BATTING COLLAPSE

Pakistan's batting has been a major reason for their poor showing against England. They have failed to cross the 200-run mark in any innings across the first two Tests.

Babar Azam missed the opening Test but returned at Lord's in the hope of strengthening a fragile batting line-up. However, the Pakistan batter had a disappointing outing, scoring only eight and six.

Babar's dismissal in the second innings summed up his struggles. Jofra Archer produced a sharp short ball that the Pakistan batter failed to handle, adding to the pressure on a side already struggling for runs.

The Lord's Test was also played amid controversy surrounding an interview with Imran Khan's sons that was broadcast by Sky Sports. The 18-minute interview focused on the former Pakistan captain and prime minister's situation in jail.

Reports claimed the PCB had threatened to pull out of the Lord's Test over the broadcast. However, both Babar and head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed denied that Pakistan had considered withdrawing from the match.

Pakistan will now have to regroup ahead of the third and final Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham, which begins on September 9. With the series already lost, Pakistan will be looking to avoid a 3-0 whitewash and end the tour on a positive note.

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