Zakashraf is not in charge of a club, He is PCB’s chairman: Shahid Afridi

Zakashraf is not in charge of a club, He is PCB’s chairman: Shahid Afridi

After ARY News channel reported that PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf was the one who provided the screenshot of a discussion between Chief Operating Officer (COO) Salman Naseer and Babar Azam to be shown live on TV, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi made a harsh statement about Ashraf.

“A club is not being handled by Zaka Ashraf. He is PCB’s chairman. He has a lot of things to consider. You inform the proprietors of a media outlet over the phone that negative things are being said about you. Please, carry out your duties. Fulfill the expectations placed on you. You are providing them the opportunity, which is why they are talking about you. Just do your job, Afridi stated on SAMAA TV, sounding irritated.

As the team competes in the World Cup, you keep making announcements. You mention Babar occasionally, another player or member of the support staff at other times. First things first, take a seat and do your best to meet the expectations placed on you. Concentrate on the issues that require attention. Disregard the remarks said against you. Zaka Ashraf sahab, just do your job,” he continued.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been embroiled in controversy and internal conflict during the ICC World Cup 2023 campaign. Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has recently criticized PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf for his public statements against the team, particularly targeting captain Babar Azam. This clash between the players and top PCB officials has added fuel to the already turbulent situation in Pakistan cricket.

The Turmoil in Pakistan Cricket

The Pakistani cricket team has faced intense scrutiny due to their underwhelming performances in the ODI World Cup. This disappointment has led to a heated dispute between the players and top PCB officials. Chief selector Inzamam-Ul-Haq’s resignation amidst conflict of interest allegations has further aggravated the situation. The team’s poor performance and the issue of central contracts have been major points of contention.

Zaka Ashraf’s Controversial Actions

Zaka Ashraf, the chairman of the PCB, has come under fire for his alleged involvement in leaking Babar Azam’s private WhatsApp conversations with the board’s COO, Salman Naseer, to a local news channel. This incident has caused outrage among former players like Shahid Afridi and cricket fans across Pakistan. Adding to the players’ frustrations, Ashraf has reportedly ignored Babar’s attempts to contact him, refusing to take calls or respond to messages. Furthermore, the players have not received their salaries from the board for the past five months, intensifying the tensions between the players and the PCB.

Shahid Afridi’s Criticism

Shahid Afridi, one of Pakistan’s cricketing legends, has openly criticized Zaka Ashraf for his actions. Afridi expressed his astonishment at Ashraf’s attempts to contact media house owners and complain about people talking against him. Afridi emphasized that as the chairman of the PCB, Ashraf should be solely focused on delivering results for Pakistan cricket. He emphasized that people are talking about Ashraf because he is giving them the opportunity to do so. Afridi urged Ashraf to mind his own business and concentrate on strengthening his position before addressing the problems faced by the cricketers.

“Zaka Ashraf is not the chairman of any random club. He is the chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board. He should look at a lot of things. I am amazed that you (referring to Ashraf) are calling up owners of media houses and telling them that people are talking against him. For god’s sake, you are the chairman and you should be working towards delivering results for Pakistan cricket.” – Shahid Afridi

The Fallout and Public Backlash

The leaked WhatsApp conversations and Afridi’s public criticism of Ashraf have triggered a wave of public backlash against the PCB chairman. Fans and cricket enthusiasts have expressed their disappointment and frustration with the state of affairs within the board. The controversy has not only impacted the reputation of the PCB but has also affected the morale of the players during their World Cup campaign.

The Way Forward for Pakistan Cricket

With four defeats and three wins in the World Cup, Pakistan finds themselves in fifth place in the points table. However, despite the internal turmoil, the team managed to stay alive in the tournament by securing a crucial victory against Bangladesh. The fate of the team’s qualification for the semi-finals hangs in the balance, with their future dependent on their performance in the remaining matches.

Conclusion

The clash between the players and the PCB officials has cast a shadow over Pakistan cricket during the ICC World Cup 2023. Shahid Afridi’s outspoken criticism of Zaka Ashraf, the chairman of the PCB, highlights the deep-rooted issues within the organization. As the team fights for a spot in the semi-finals, it remains to be seen how the internal conflicts will impact their performance and the future of Pakistan cricket.

“People are talking about you because you are giving them the opportunity. Zaka Ashraf saab mind your own business. The team is playing the World Cup, and you are giving statements against them. Talking against Babar Azam and others… strengthen your own seat first and then work on the problems that the cricketers are facing.” – Shahid Afridi