Rashid Latif alleged that Mohammad Rizwan was dropped as captain for being supportive of Palestine
Pakistan cricket has again been mired in controversy as Mohammad Rizwan, recently named captain in the place of Babar Azam, has now been removed from the captaincy. The captaincy has been given to Shaheen Shah Afridi by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which is another explosive change in the hierarchy of the team.
Though captaincy switches in Pakistani cricket are no novelty, this specific decision was met with huge scrutiny in light of former cricketer Rashid Latif’s bombshell accusations. His outburst has transformed an ordinary cricket decision into a hot debate on religion, politics, and freedom of speech.
Rashid Latif’s Shocking Allegation
In a video that rapidly went viral on all social media sites, Rashid Latif claimed that the dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan was not a cricketing judgment. He claimed that Rizwan was dropped because, as captain, he openly supported Gaza and Palestine.
Latif said, “He hoisted the Palestinian flag, and that’s why he was targeted. Is this the reason you remove someone from captaincy?” His comments have shocked the cricketing world, wondering if off-field politics have started to dictate team captaincy.
He also asserted that the head coach, Mike Hesson, was responsible for Rizwan’s sacking. Latif alleged that Hesson is trying to change the culture within Pakistan’s dressing room — a culture Rizwan established through unity, faith, and respect.
Faith, Politics, and Cricket — An Uncomfortable Intersection
Rashid Latif’s comment plays on a delicate topic — religion and sports. Rizwan, who is widely known for his religious inclinations and humble nature, had never been shy about proclaiming his faith. While he was captain, he was said to have brought religious practices and group prayers into the dressing room.
Latif alleged that Hesson did not like these practices and prefers a more “secular” atmosphere. “Hesson wants to put an end to the culture Rizwan brought into the team,” Latif added, stating that only a handful of players endorsed this change.
This has caused a flurry of debate among supporters and analysts. People are wondering whether these internal politics should be allowed to affect team choice and captaincy appointments — particularly in a nation where cricket is a sport that is more than just a game, but a common passion for millions of people.
Fans Rally Behind Rizwan
After Latif’s allegations, Mohammad Rizwan has been backed by an outpour of support on social media. Pro-Rizwan and pro-Palestine hashtags have gone viral across all Pakistani social media platforms as fans praise him for adhering to his beliefs.
Cricket fans have also been frustrated at what they see as the interference of outsiders in local cricketing affairs. Many believe that Rizwan’s leadership instilled the team with discipline and spirituality, which should have been an asset and not a weakness.
Rashid Latif’s charges have initiated a wider debate on whether Pakistan cricket is being politicized or taken over by non-cricketing interests. The PCB has not made an official comment on the same, and their deafening silence only fuels the increasing speculation.
If confirmed, Rizwan’s ousting may set a troubling precedent — where beliefs, not performance, constitute the basis for termination. The incident highlights the fine line between professionalism, cultural heritage, and individual conviction in sport.
The tempest over Mohammad Rizwan’s removal as captain is by no means over. Rashid Latif’s revelations have once again brought old gripes regarding the extent of players’ influence in deciding the culture of their team to the forefront. As Pakistan cricket goes through this tumultuous period, supporters are waiting for a clear picture — not only of leadership choices, but of the values that their team believe in.
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