Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the country’s slow progress in international, domestic, and franchise cricket. Pakistan was eliminated from the T20 World Cup 2024 at the group stage, while India ended their ICC trophy drought with a thrilling seven-run win over South Africa in Barbados. Latif attributed this disparity to the PCB‘s inability to attract prominent foreign players due to the salary cap in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), pointing out that the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) attracts better foreign talent.
“India developed a cricket industry like their film industry. We treat cricket as a hobby, which is why we couldn’t turn it into a business. PSL is still where it started, with the highest salary cap at $140,000. Why can’t they push it further? Why can’t we have players like Mitchell Starc or Pat Cummins? Because we don’t have the money, so there’s no business,” Latif said, as quoted by News18.
Vision for PSL’s Expansion
“People who conceptualized PSL were removed within a year. They had a vision to expand it, but it never happened. BPL has more foreign players than PSL. Moeen Ali and David Miller are there because they have the money. We couldn’t progress,” he added.
Latif also highlighted the impact of foreign coaches on Indian cricket. He noted that significant investments have been made at the grassroots level in India, and the presence of foreign coaches like Ricky Ponting (Delhi Capitals), Michael Hussey, and Dwayne Bravo (Chennai Super Kings) has benefited young players.
“India didn’t become a powerhouse in world cricket recently, it started back in 2007, 2011, and 2015. They gained much knowledge from foreign coaches and worked at the grassroots level without much notice,” said Latif, who captained Pakistan in 25 ODIs and six Tests.
“And then IPL came into play. Now, they have all the best minds with them: Ponting with DC, Hussey, and Bravo. But what are we doing?” the 55-year-old added.
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