Despite the recent controversy surrounding the leak of Babar Azam‘s private chat, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Zaka Ashraf, is expected to get an extension. According to reports, the caretaker government led by Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar held a meeting with former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi and asked the all-rounder to work with the Zaka-led PCB.
“The caretaker PM wanted Shahid to contribute to Pakistan cricket and work with the existing set-up but the all-rounder conveyed his reservations about working with the current managing committee,” a source was quoted saying to PTI.
Notably, Zaka Ashraf’s four-month tenure will expire on November 5 but the PM, who is the chief patron of PCB, has the authority to give an extension through the ministry of inter-provincial coordination ministry.
The reports further added that Zaka has been in direct contact with big political leaders to pursue them to give him an extension. An it seems his attempt has worked. As the Prime Minister has conveyed that Zaka will be given more time since all decisions around the Pakistan team were taken by his predecessor Najam Sethi.
“Zaka has told the powers that be that he couldn’t make any changes or take strong decisions because of the Asia Cup and World Cup for which selections and appointments were already made by Sethi,” he said.
If Zaka stays. it is highly likely that Pakistan cricket team will see a new captain and new team management. A lot depends on Pakistan’s performance in remaining games and whether the team manages to reach the semifinals of the World Cup.
However, in a recent interview, Pakistan Prime Minister revealed that the decision on Zaka Ashraf’s tenure will be taken after the World Cup 2023.
“The World Cup is currently underway. At the moment, I don’t think we can take any major decision. We will see what will happen or what will not happen”, the PAK PM said.