Former Pakistan cricket captain Rashid Latif has suggested that cricketers from the 1990s era should be kept away from Pakistan cricket, both in management and on-field roles. His remarks came during a discussion on why it took Pakistan 17 years to win another World Cup after their 1992 victory and then nearly a decade to secure the Champions Trophy.
Why Did It Take So Long for Pakistan to Win Major Titles?
During a sports program, Rashid Latif was asked about the significant gap between Pakistan’s major tournament wins. The country won its first Cricket World Cup in 1992, but it took another 17 years to claim the T20 World Cup in 2009. Additionally, there was an eight-to-nine-year wait before Pakistan won the Champions Trophy in 2017. Latif humorously responded that the reason for these delays was that the cricketers from the 1990s did not let go of their influence on Pakistan cricket.
“Keep the 1990s Players Away”
Latif emphasized that to see real progress, Pakistan cricket needs to move on from players of the 1990s era. He stated that these former players should be distanced from both team management and coaching roles, allowing the current and future generations to develop their own winning mentality. Interestingly, he acknowledged that he himself was part of the 1990s generation and reiterated that they had served Pakistan long enough and needed to step aside.
Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Exit Sparks Debate
Rashid Latif’s remarks come at a time when Pakistan, the host and defending champion of the Champions Trophy, has already been eliminated from the tournament just five days after its commencement. The team’s early exit has reignited discussions about structural issues within Pakistan cricket, prompting former players and experts to call for changes in leadership and management.
A Call for a Fresh Start
Latif’s statement highlights a growing sentiment among cricket analysts that Pakistan needs fresh strategies and new leadership to regain its winning edge. Whether or not his advice is taken seriously by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains to be seen, but it certainly adds fuel to the ongoing debate about the future of Pakistan cricket.