The Pakistan Cricket Board have banned and fined former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif from all first-class cricket for six months after he refused to continue playing in a Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match against Faisalabad on November 26.Karachi Blues skipper Latif declared the innings with the score at 33 for four on the first day of the match declaring that the pitch was far too dangerous to play on, and refused to lead his side out to face the Faisalabad response.
Latif claimed in a letter to the PCB: "This pitch is unplayable and dangerous for batting. Three players were hurt during the first innings." However, Latif did not follow the correct procedure in seeking an abandonment, leading to the punishment.
However, a PCB statement said: "The rules clearly state that it is for the umpires and referee to decide whether or not a pitch is too dangerous for play" and decided that Latif was in serious breach of the rules - and noted that it was not the first time the player had acted in such a way.
In view of the fact that Latif acted independently, the chairman exercised his discretion in deciding that the Karachi Blues team would be allowed to continue participating in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and that no fine or restriction would be imposed on them.
Rashid Latif can now all but rule out a return to the International stage as the ban rules him out of tours to India and the West Indies.
Posted by Richard