In a shocking turn of events, Zaka Ashraf, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee, finds himself entangled in yet another controversy. An alleged audio clip has surfaced, purportedly featuring Ashraf discussing matters related to the recent change in team leadership, specifically the shift in captaincy from Babar Azam.
This isn’t the first instance of controversy involving Zaka Ashraf and Babar Azam. In October, a leaked conversation between the star batter and PCB’s Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer made headlines. The recent audio leak, lasting two minutes and 15 seconds, allegedly captures Ashraf conversing with an unidentified woman about changes in the team’s leadership.
The conversation revolves around discussions on the influence of friendship and players’ agents in the national side. The woman mentions the captain’s preference for close friends in the team, citing the exclusion of Shadab Khan from the World Cup squad.
Ashraf expresses agreement, stating, “Pakistan cricket is deteriorating because of this.” Another voice in the audio claims that Hasan Ali also played due to his friendship with Babar Azam, a sentiment the woman contradicts, attributing Hasan’s selection to the absence of Naseem Shah.
The PCB chief then shifts the conversation to an agent named Talha Osmani, alleging that he controls eight national team players. Ashraf describes Talha as a savvy agent who builds strong relationships with players’ families, making it difficult for players to operate without him.
Revealing details about Babar Azam captaincy change, Ashraf claims to have offered him the Test captaincy but was told that Babar needed to consult his family. According to Ashraf, Babar Azam sought advice from Talha Osmani, who allegedly influenced Babar’s decision to relinquish all formats of captaincy.
Plan B to replace Babar Azam
Ashraf asserts that he had a “plan B” prepared in case Babar Azam stepped down. When Babar confirmed his decision to relinquish captaincy across formats, Ashraf claims to have appointed Shaheen Afridi as the new captain, surprising those present in the conversation.
The unidentified woman questions the decision, suggesting Mohammad Rizwan as a better option. However, Ashraf contends that Rizwan was also associated with Babar Azam and Talha, expressing a preference for Shaheen Afridi despite concerns about interference from Shahid Afridi, Shaheen’s father-in-law.
The controversial audio leak has cast a shadow over Pakistan cricket, raising questions about the selection process, alleged player interference, and the role of agents in team dynamics. As the cricket community awaits an official response from the PCB, the fallout from this scandal could have significant repercussions for the sport in the country.
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