Latif rages against the system

Hardly a day goes by without self-inflicted unrest rocking the Pakistan camp, and this time it is former captain Rashid Latif who has put his stick into the hornets' nest and given it a good stir.

Appearing on television to discuss the squad selection for the one-day series against New Zealand, Rashid leveled all sorts of accusations against the Pakistan authorities. Among other remarks, Latif slammed the cricketing structure within the country, claimed that the relationship between journalists and selectors was too cozy, that selections were not always based on merit, and that various administrators did not always act in the best interests of the game. Latif concluded by saying that he was collecting evidence and would present his findings soon.

Rashid was more conciliatory on the subject of players' pay, admitting that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had looked after their welfare and gone a long way to improving their pay and conditions. But the concession was tempered with a call for an even greater share of sponsorship and television rights to be passed on to the squad.

A source close to the PCB dismissed Latif's attack, saying that his views on cricket were blinkered. "In Rashid's book," he commented, "there probably is only the word 'take' while the word 'give' is missing".

He went on to condemn Latif for adding to an already uneasy situation and for giving more ammunition to those willing to snipe at the authorities. "With his reckless and even irresponsible statements continues to provide these elements with nourishment," he said. "He can contribute far more through his cricketing skills."