Tensions within the Pakistan cricket camp have escalated significantly as the alleged divide between Captain Babar Azam and the national cricket board are seemingly expanding. What makes this situation particularly troubling is the unfortunate timing, with these disputes surfacing during the ongoing ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
Amid the mounting speculations that Babar’s captaincy may be in jeopardy due to Pakistan’s lackluster performance in the prestigious tournament, several reports indicated that the 29-year-old attempted to establish communication with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to clarify the situation. Adding to the intrigue, a WhatsApp chat, shared by PCB chief Zaka Ashraf to a notable journalist, quickly went viral on social media, sparking a big controversy.
Zaka Ashraf’s remarks
During an interview, Ashraf addressed the surprising allegations made by former cricketer Rashid Latif, who claimed that Babar, despite his attempts to reach out to the PCB Chief, has not received any answer. Responding to the notable allegations made against him, the 71-year-old clarified that Babar never made any sort of direct contact with him.
“He [Latif] says that I don’t pick up his [Babar’s] call. He has never called me. The team’s captain is supposed to talk with Director International Cricket or the Chief Operating Officer,” Ashraf mentioned during a interview with ARY News.
The curious case of WhatsApp chat
Ashraf made a concerted effort to substantiate his claim by sharing Babar’s personal WhatsApp messages. The journalist, Shoaib Jatt, with whom the chat was shared, broadcasted it on a TV show hosted by Waseem Badami. The conversation that came to light was between Babar and the PCB’s Chief Operating Officer, Salman Naseer.
In this revealed exchange, Naseer’s message reportedly inquired, “Babar, there’s also been news circulating on TV and social media that you have been calling Chairman and he’s not answering. Have you called him recently?”. As per the chat, Babar responded, “Salam Salman bhai, I have not made any call to sir.”
Cricket enthusiasts from around the world have widely criticized the actions of Ashraf, as the act of disclosing private messages is perceived as a breach of privacy.
Also READ: ODI World Cup 2023 – Pakistan captain Babar Azam reveals his three favourite batters
Here’s how fans reacted:
Ya kya Karna ki koshish kar raha ho aap loog??? This is pathetic !!!
Khush ho gaya aap loog. Please leave @babarazam258 alone 🙏🏽. He’s an asset of Pakistan Cricket @TheRealPCB @ARYNEWSOFFICIAL @Salman_ARY https://t.co/pcM90yUGqy— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) October 30, 2023
They leaked Babar Azam’s private WhatsApp chats?
Pakistani players ko milta kya hai ko unse itni expectations rakhte ho? This is disgusting, he still has three matches to play in this World Cup pic.twitter.com/8eHSG2oygT— Sushant Mehta (@SushantNMehta) October 29, 2023
Shoaib Jatt leaked Babar Azam’s private conversation to a TV channel without obtaining his consent. Well done, Azhar Ali, for pointing that out. That is disgusting, Lakh lanat!!!!#ShameOnYouZaka #Say_No_To_Lafafa_Journalism #WorldCup2023 pic.twitter.com/6XGecOAMI4
— Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial) October 29, 2023
Wasim Badami has apologised and exposed the ill intentions of Zaka Ashraf. According to Badami, Zaka himself asked the management of ARY to on air the screenshot of leaked chat of Babar Azam. This has exposed a paid journalist aswell as an unprofessional chairman together! #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/ugkKsztsSq
— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) October 30, 2023
1 like = 10 slap on Zaka Ashraf face
1 Rt = 100 slaps on Zaka Ashraf Face
#ShameOnYouZaka #LeaveYourOfficeZaka#GoHomeZaka pic.twitter.com/OhPEeeQCGu— Maze (@Maze_6999) October 29, 2023
It’s clear Zaka Ashraf is directly involved in this matter as he said in the interview that he had proof that Babar Azam didn’t call him; surprisingly, a few hours later, Shoaib showed it in the Live Show now it’s all crystal clear that Board Chairman is running agenda against… pic.twitter.com/9a6rlTtkiW
— Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial) October 30, 2023
Screenshots of Pakistan's captain are being run on main straim media without his consent that too during worldcup. Such mockery only happens in Pakistan.
Shame on you @Shoaib_Jatt & Zaka Ashraf for making mockery of Pakistan's cricket #ShameOnYouZaka pic.twitter.com/DXSnVadEAg
— 𝐙𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧 (@ItsMeeZeee) October 29, 2023
Absolutely Pathetic!
They showed Babar Azam's whatsapp conversation with someone on live tv without his consent. How can you stoop so low and how can you approve to show this?#BabarAzam #tariqjameel #PakistanCricket #ZakaAshraf #CWC23 #Cricket #Babarpic.twitter.com/qvmLsvhy7V— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73_) October 30, 2023
How can you say that it is not your duty to ask Babar before passing off a screenshot of a private chat as a news item? This is exactly why courses like Media Ethics are taught to students of journalism at varsities. You'd know that if you went to one. Shame on you, @Shoaib_Jatt. https://t.co/7fZGM19RGh
— Humayoun Ahmed Khan (@HumayounAK) October 29, 2023
Leaking Babar's chat is a disgrace for PCB. Officials are jeopardizing him, revealing personal agendas over the national team, rendering them unfit for their roles.#ZakaAshraf #BabarAzamIsMyCaptain
— 𝕏 (@Xh_Sahib) October 30, 2023
Extremely Shameful#ZakaAshraf #LeaveYourOfficeZaka #shameonyouzaka https://t.co/rzBDyx8eAi
— Musharaf Shehzad (@musharafssheikh) October 30, 2023
People like @WaseemBadami , So called Journalist @Shoaib_Jatt and PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf themselves did this. Zaka Ashraf ruined Pakistan cricket as well as Babar Azam career as a captain.
— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) October 30, 2023
