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Former Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif has always been in the news for his outlandish comments. But this time, the 57-year-old seemed to take things too far after he questioned Mike Hesson’s loyalty to Pakistan cricket. Latif, who was speaking on YouTube live with Nauman Niaz, made intriguing comments that left many fans confused.

Nauman could be heard saying at the start that it has become a one-man show after Hesson has taken over the Test team. Rashid was quick to reply, “I think about this from a different perspective. If we speak about the PCB, they feel it is high time that he leaves as soon as possible.”

“Look, for me, security concerns are different from the loyalty factor for a former coach. Whenever I speak about Bob Woolmer, Ican say he was loyal. Same case with Geoff Lawson, or even as recent as Micky Arthur, or, for that matter, every overseas coach who has come to Pakistan has worked with their heart and given it their best,” Rashid added.

“I don’t want to put any allegations on anyone, but since every coach has been associated with the IPL, there will always be a needle of suspicion on him. We don’t speak or think about this. He has started eating into the system.” Nauman Niaz then responded and said, “You know where your doubt comes from? These are Circumstantial evidence, because we cannot prove anything.” Hesson took over as the Test coach after Sarfaraz Ahmed was sacked following the loss at Lord’s by 194 runs.

Latif also said, “As I said, loyalty is important; I am not questioning him. In fact, he could be loyal as well. These things should be checked, and it would be better. There would be a connection (with India). Please try to understand what I am saying. So the damage that we haven’t done may be that a person from outside has come and done it.”

“Whichever coach has come from outside, IPL is a big league, but what if someone from there wants to harm? That’s how agents are propped up, aren’t they? Not taking anyone’s name, but take a look at the history. They are injected into countries, and this is how it is done and should be checked. Don’t insult your own coaches by playing into the hands of others, especially those who come from foreign countries.”

Mike Hesson’s association with IPL

Mike Hesson has worked with Royal Challengers Bengaluru as a coach and also as director of cricket. Before that, he was with Punjab Kings as their Head Coach in IPL 2018.