PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf and Babar Azam private chats leaked: What you need to know

Ongoing World Cup 2023 troubles for Pakistan intensify with a new dispute as the private WhatsApp conversations between captain Babar Azam and PCB COO are revealed on live TV

By CricTracker Staff verified

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Babar Azam
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Babar Azam. (Photo Source: FAROOQ NAEEM/AFP via Getty Images)

Pakistan's World Cup woes persist as a fresh controversy has emerged, with captain Babar Azam's private messages exposed on live television. Beyond their on-field struggles, off-field problems continue to grab attention and fuel public reactions. Many more aspects of this story are expected to unravel in the coming days. 

Local reporters reveal that Pakistani cricketers are currently embroiled in a payment dispute with the Pakistan Cricket Board as the players have reportedly not received their dues for last four to five months, despite the central contracts being announced during the Asia Cup. However, the payment distribution is said to be pending.

In an interview with ARY News, PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf explained that adherence to proper procedures caused the delay in payment. He clarified that the players had insufficient time to sign contracts before their departure, leading to paperwork delays and, subsequently, payment processing. Ashraf mentioned that the contracts are currently en route to India for finalization.

PCB Chairman closing door on Babar Azam, private chats leaked

Numerous reports suggest that Pakistan captain has been at the forefront of players' grievances, attempting to contact Ashraf, who has allegedly ignored his calls and messages.

Former wicketkeeper Rashid Latif corroborated this claim. However, Ashraf countered these allegations during the interview, asserting that Babar had never reached out to him.

“Babar Azam has been messaging the chairman for two days, but he hasn’t replied. He’s been messaging Salman Naseer (PCB COO) and Usman Wahla (PCB Director),” Latif said on PTV Sports. 

However, Ashraf rubbished the allegations, stating “He [the captain] has never called me. The team’s captain has a level – he can speak till the director or COO”.

A circulating video clip reveals an excerpt from ARY News, where a conversation between Babar and PCB COO Salman Naseer is disclosed. A WhatsApp screenshot exhibits a message from Salman inquiring whether Babar had contacted the PCB Chairman regarding the issue. In response, the 29-year-old appears to deny having made such a call.

Pakistan cricket veterans lambast authorities for leaking chats

The aftermath of the incident has stirred significant criticism, primarily focusing on the breach of privacy. Waqar Younis, currently a commentator at the World Cup, labelled the act as "pathetic." 

Shahid Afridi also expressed his dismay over the alleged WhatsApp chats being exposed, deeming it 'disgusting' on the part of journalists and management to leak someone's private messages. 

Journalist in question makes startling revelation about leaked chats 

The anchor, Wasim Badami, who had initially carried the news of chats being leaked was at the receiving end by the both fans and former Pakistan cricketers. Notably Shahid Afridi who went on directly criticise him. The anchor took to his official X handle to clarify his stand on the issue.

“As a team, we made a wrong decision, sharing Babar’s chat with a senior PCB official. In short, we were sitting together and deciding an hour before the show that we shouldn’t make a private chat public. About five to seven minutes before the show, we received a clip where Zaka Ashraf is saying: ‘I am giving you this screenshot and I am asking you to show it live on screen. If he’s admitting responsibility on TV, we thought we can share it. It wasn’t the ideal decision," he said.

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