A leaked audio recording, reportedly featuring the voice of PCB interim management committee chairman Zaka Ashraf, has revealed discussions about removing Babar Azam as the national cricket team’s captain across all formats. Babar had earlier announced stepping down after Pakistan’s poor performance in the World Cup in India. The audio sheds light on the circumstances leading to his decision.
While the PCB did not immediately respond to inquiries, a source confirmed that the voice in the recording indeed belonged to Zaka Ashraf. The conversation, described as a private discussion with a family member, includes discussions about appointing Shan Masood and Shaheen Shah Afridi as the Test and T20 captains, respectively.
The conversation also touches on player agents and the alleged prevalence of friendship culture within the team. Babar is accused of recruiting close friends, and the selection of players represented by Saya Corporation, leading to Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq’s resignation during the tournament, is discussed.
In the leaked audio, Zaka Ashraf’s voice mentions having a backup plan when Babar would relinquish the captaincy. Babar was asked to stay as Test captain, but the plan was to remove him as the white-ball captain. The leak reveals discussions about Babar’s consultation with his family, including contacting Talha Rehmani, the CEO of Saya Corporation.
The audio also mentions the preference for Mohammad Rizwan as captain and raises concerns about Shaheen Afridi’s influence from Shahid Afridi, his father-in-law. Babar is accused of insisting on playing close friend Shadab Khan, who had an ineffective performance in the World Cup.
Zaka Ashraf expresses anger towards Talha Rehmani, accusing him of controlling eight national team players through contracts and relationships with players’ families. The audio also reveals that an inquiry into Inzamam’s links with Saya Corporation was initiated but stopped after his resignation. Zaka Ashraf is considering a review of the PCB’s policy on player agents, contemplating a cap of two players per agent.
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