KARACHI: The protracted dispute between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and former captain Rashid Latif was resolved on Saturday after the ex-skipper “unconditionally” retracted his earlier statements about the board.
The disagreement began when Latif suggested that Mohammad Rizwan’s removal as ODI captain was linked to the wicketkeeper’s public support for Palestine. His comments led the PCB to file a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).
Latif was therefore summoned to appear before an investigator from the NCCIA’s Lahore office on November 17.
The former wicketkeeper-batter later filed an appeal in the Islamabad High Court against the investigation, calling it illegal.
Latif wrote a detailed public apology to X, stating that his comments were not intended to accuse any player, board member or stakeholder involved in wrongdoing.
“I am writing in reference to my recent comments made on social media and in interviews regarding surrogate advertising. My main argument related to potential violations of advisories on such advertising issued by the Government of Pakistan,” Latif wrote.
“At no time, whether inadvertently or deliberately, did I seek or intend to implicate any individual, including players, board members or other stakeholders, in any wrongdoing,” he added.
Latif further admitted that he had made an “unwarranted reference” to Rizwan’s support for Palestine as a potential reason for his dismissal as Pakistan’s ODI captain, further admitting that his assumptions were not supported by any credible evidence.
“However, despite my intention to refrain from political commentary or unverified speculation, I acknowledge that I made an unwarranted reference to Mohammad Rizwan’s public support for Palestine as a potential factor in his removal as captain. Upon reflection, I recognize that this assumption was inappropriate, unfounded and not supported by any credible evidence.”
Latif concluded by apologizing to the general public, especially the PCB, and promised that his public comments on cricket matters would be measured and evidence-based, as he describes himself as the “advocate” of responsible broadcasting and research-based journalism.
“I deeply regret any distress or offense that my comments may have caused to the public at large, or more particularly to the Pakistan Cricket Board and its officials. I sincerely apologize for any unintended harm arising from my remarks, which I withdraw unconditionally and affirm that no such harm was ever intended,” Latif said.
“I am an advocate of responsible broadcasting, research-based journalism and objective analysis. Having had the honor of captaining the Pakistan national cricket team, I hold the reputation and dignity of the country in the highest esteem and will never intentionally act in a manner that could bring it into disrepute. I strive to participate in public debate in a fair, balanced and constructive manner.”
In response to his public apology, former PCB president Najam Sethi came to his defense but deleted the post after Mohsin Naqvi called his comments “completely inappropriate, inappropriate and factually incorrect”.
“[Najam Sethi]your comments are completely inappropriate, inappropriate and factually incorrect,” Naqvi wrote on X, alongside Sethi’s now-deleted tweet.
The current PCB chairman further stressed that the cricket board’s action against Latif was not aimed at silencing his critics but rather to “tackle” the spread of false and defamatory allegations.
“The PCB’s action against Rashid Latif was never intended to silence critics, but rather to combat the deliberate propagation of false and defamatory allegations. Our procedures remained fully in compliance with the law and focused solely on protecting the integrity of Pakistan cricket and its players,” Naqvi explained.
He also said the PCB welcomed Latif’s apology, reiterating that board members were committed to “protecting” Pakistan cricket and its assets.
“Rashid Latif apologized in his tweet today, clearly stating the Council’s position. We welcome his apology and offer a clean slate,” Naqvi said.
“We do not use any other means to silence those who criticize the Board. We protect Pakistan cricket and its assets.”
