Former Pakistan cricket captain Rashid Latif has issued an unconditional apology for his earlier controversial comments regarding surrogate advertising and Mohammad Rizwan’s removal as ODI captain.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) welcomed the apology, offering Latif a “clean slate.”

In a detailed statement on social media, Latif clarified that his primary concern had been potential violations of government advisories on surrogate advertising.

He emphasised that at no point did he intend to implicate any player, PCB official, or stakeholder in wrongdoing.

Addressing his remarks on Rizwan, Latif acknowledged that linking the player’s public support for Palestine to his removal from captaincy was an “error of judgement” and described the assumption as “inappropriate, unfounded, and not supported by any credible evidence.”

He expressed deep regret for any distress caused and retracted all previous statements.

Latif concluded his statement by affirming his commitment to measured, evidence-based public commentary and constructive discourse.

“Having had the honour of serving as captain of the Pakistan national cricket team, I hold the reputation and dignity of the country in the highest regard and would never intentionally act in a manner that could bring disrepute upon it,” he said.

The controversy had earlier prompted the PCB to file a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which had summoned Latif for questioning in Lahore on November 17.

Latif had challenged the notice in the Islamabad High Court, calling it unlawful.

The matter had drawn further attention when former PCB chairman Najam Sethi criticised actions against Latif in a now-deleted social media post.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi responded to criticism from former PCB chairman Najam Sethi, saying the Board’s action was not aimed at silencing dissent but at addressing “the deliberate spread of false and defamatory allegations.”

He added that all proceedings were fully lawful and focused on protecting the integrity of Pakistan cricket and its players.

Naqvi welcomed Latif’s apology, noting it reaffirmed the Board’s position and emphasised that the PCB does not use illegal means to suppress criticism.