Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif, who ended a five-match ban at the weekend, has been warned by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to act more responsibly if he wants to retain the captaincy.
Latif was banned for five one-day internationals by International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Mike Procter after Bangladesh lodged a complaint about a disputed catch during the third day of the third Test in Multan on September 5.
"He (Latif) is holding a responsible position and fair play from him is necessary," PCB chief Tauqir Zia told reporters on Tuesday. "He has to show more responsible behaviour.
"He has been giving statements to the media. He wrote directly to the ICC, all of which violate our code of conduct. And he keeps on doing it."
The 34-year-old Latif, whose five-match suspension ended when Pakistan completed a 5-0 whitewash of their one-day series against Bangladesh in Karachi on Sunday, has been at odds with the PCB since August.
The Pakistan board let him off with a reprimand after he wrote a letter, which he later released to the public, to the ICC warning of the menaces of match-fixing.
Local media have also reported that Latif and chief selector Aamer Sohail had disagreements during the Test series against Bangladesh.
CAPTAINCY SPECULATION
The PCB's criticism of Latif comes amidst speculation that it might retain Inzamam-ul-Haq as captain for the home series against South Africa. Inzamam was appointed as stand-in skipper against Bangladesh in place of the banned Latif.
"We have taken no decision on the captaincy and no one has talked to me about it," Zia said.
"But let the selectors first decide if Rashid commands a place in the team, and than we will decide on the captaincy. But I would like to talk to him first."
Latif captained Pakistan for the 1997-98 tours to South Africa and Zimbabwe before temporarily retiring at his prime, saying he was suffering from burn-out but amid reports he had made match-fixing allegations against team mates.
He was recalled after a three-year exile in 2001 and was reappointed captain in place of Waqar Younis after Pakistan failed to qualify for the Super Sixes of the World Cup.
Zia said Latif was still regarded as the best wicketkeeper in Pakistan and that he had led the team well.
"But he has to show more maturity," Zia added.
