There is no end in sight to plot twists in Pakistan Cricket. With the interim Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Zaka Ashraf under fire, Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has approached former captain Shahid Afridi, requesting him to be actively involved in the enhancement of the sport in the country. The development comes with Ashraf’s tenure ending on Nov 5.
Pakistan Cricket have had a tumultuous period with third candidate to lead PCB in 2023. With Ashraf’s tenure ending, there would be 4th chairman until Pakistan have the general election and the new PM nominates another new face.
As per Cricket Pakistan, caretaker Pak PM Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar met with Shahid Afridi on Thursday. The two discussed various aspects of cricket. This comes amid turmoil in the Pakistan Cricket Team that is closer to exit having lost four games.
Shahid Afridi vs Zaka Ashraf
The former Pakistan captain served as the chief selector for a brief time during the tenure of Najam Sethi. But he stepped down as Zaka Ashraf took charge. But the two do not share a cordial relation and recently Shahid Afridi called out Ashraf.
The development came after an alleged WhatsApp chat was leaked in media between captain Babar Azam and COO Salman Naseer.
“You are the chairman of the PCB and not of some club. You are supposed to handle a lot of things. But you are calling owners of media houses and complaining about people saying this and that about you. You are the PCB chairman. People are saying things because you are giving them the opportunity,” Shahid Afridi said on a Pakistani TV channel as per Geo News.
Zaka Ashraf in trouble
The meeting between PM and Afridi occurs when Ashraf faces flak from all corners. As Babar Azam & Co are closer to exit, PCB sent out a statement, throwing the team under the bus, saying captain and chief selector Inzamam Ul Haq, who recently resigned, had full authority in team selection.
The statement did not sit well with the team, former players and fans. As he has been facing criticism about handling the matter poorly, PCB management committee member, Zulfiqar Malik has accused Ashraf of misdoings and taking unconstitutional decisions as per ESPN Cricinfo.
What are the allegations against Ashraf?
- While Ashraf was only supposed to manage daily affairs, he made some long-term decisions.
- Misusing the PCB office to carry out rigged elections in regions.
- Not providing a degree certificate which is a must to be a PCB chairman.
- Ignoring Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) ministry directive to hold elections.
- Nepotism: Allowing son Chaudhry Khan Mohammad to meddle with board matters.
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