NCCIA opens inquiry after Latif’s social media criticism
Pakistan’s cybercrime authorities have launched a formal investigation into former national cricket captain Rashid Latif for his outspoken criticism of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its chairman, Mohsin Naqvi. The probe follows Latif’s comments on X (formerly Twitter), where he questioned the frequent captaincy changes and alleged political maneuvering within the board’s decision-making.
According to a PTI report on Wednesday, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) initiated two separate inquiries based on a complaint filed by PCB’s senior legal manager, Syed Ali Naqvi. Latif has already participated in the investigations.
“Former wicket keeper Rashid Latif has recorded his statement in two inquiries against him in Islamabad and Lahore,” NCCIA spokesperson Najeebullah Hasan confirmed in an official statement.
Latif’s posts — widely circulated on social media — directly challenged the PCB’s recent leadership changes, particularly the appointment of Shaheen Shah Afridi as ODI captain. “Shaheen Shah Afridi named ODI captain. Divide and rule policy is a political strategy to gain and maintain power by creating and exploiting divisions within a population, such as religious, ethnic, cricket teams or class differences,” he wrote on X.
Shaheen Shah Afridi named ODI captain
"divide and rule" policy is a political strategy to gain and maintain power by creating and exploiting divisions within a population, such as religious, ethnic, cricket teams or class differences.
Pakistan is the only country that cannot… pic.twitter.com/YkQvHojeiH
— Rashid Latif | 🇵🇰 (@iRashidLatif68) October 20, 2025
He further added, “Pakistan is the only country that cannot even produce a decent captain/ Leader.”
Broader scrutiny as tensions grow
Latif, known for his bold views on cricketing issues, has remained vocal in recent months, particularly during the Asia Cup 2025. In an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com, he addressed the escalating political and emotional stakes in India–Pakistan matches.
“There is a lot of tension between India and Pakistan, and now it has reached the ground as well,” he said during the tournament.
Latif noted that the off-field situation was equally turbulent. “Don’t know what is happening,” he remarked, hinting at behind-the-scenes complications affecting team dynamics and regional cricket.
On India’s strength and the T20 gulf
Beyond politics and governance, Latif also commented on the cricketing gap between India and Pakistan. Reflecting on the structure and performance of the two teams, he said, “In T20, anything can happen But if we look in hindsight, India is a strong team.”
He pointed to the difference in infrastructure and league quality as key indicators of India’s edge. “There is a gulf of difference between IPL and PSL,” he told TimesofIndia.com.
What comes next?
While Latif’s posts have sparked debate, the legal and administrative consequences remain uncertain. The NCCIA’s investigation marks one of the most high-profile interventions into a cricketer’s online statements in recent years — and raises questions about the boundaries between free expression and defamation in Pakistan’s cricket ecosystem.
With Rashid Latif’s statements already documented and submitted, the case now rests with cybercrime authorities — while the larger conversation about leadership, censorship, and cricket’s governance in Pakistan continues to grow louder.
