'Merit only exists with a merit-based Chairman:' Rashid Latif

Rashid Latif questions the role of merit in PCB team selection, criticising the chairman and leadership in process.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has raised concerns over the Pakistan cricket team’s selection process, stating that meritocracy can only prevail if leadership is based on merit.

His remarks come after Pakistan’s disappointing loss to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 group stage.

Latif, speaking on a post-match analysis show, criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for failing to establish a selection system based on performance rather than personal connections.

He questioned the team’s composure and decision-making, highlighting the absence of a specialist spinner and a reliable opening batsman.

“This isn’t about one bad game. We’ve been saying for a long time that this team is not selected on merit. How can a team be on merit if the chairman himself isn’t?” Latif said. He stressed that systemic issues start at the top and trickle down to the players.

The former wicketkeeper also referenced past selection controversies and Pakistan’s struggles in major tournaments, pointing out that similar mistakes have been made repeatedly.

“It’s not just about this match. We failed to progress past the group stage in back-to-back tournaments. If the leadership is not based on cricketing knowledge, how can we expect the team to perform?”

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir echoed similar sentiments, expressing disappointment over the team’s performance. Having been part of Pakistan’s victorious 2017 Champions Trophy squad, Amir lamented the lack of accountability within the system.

“When you bring in people who are unqualified for their roles, the results will always be disappointing,” he said.

The defeat has intensified scrutiny over Pakistan’s team selection process, with analysts and former players calling for immediate reforms. Whether the PCB will respond to these concerns remains to be seen, but pressure is mounting to address long-standing issues in Pakistan cricket.