In a surprising development, an audio snippet implicating Zaka Ashraf, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has surfaced. This recording, which has been widely disseminated on social media platforms, gives insights into the contentious dismissal of Babar Azam from his captaincy role in all formats of the sport. The recording, lasting two minutes and fifteen seconds, allegedly reveals Ashraf’s insights into the PCB’s strategies for Azam’s dismissal.
The leaked audio offers an intriguing look into the PCB’s decision-making process, with a voice alleged to be Ashraf’s, revealing key aspects. One of the shocking revelations includes assertions that Hassan Ali was selected to play owing to his friendship with Babar Azam. Additionally, the recording hints at the presence of a person named Talha Aisham, who is said to wield significant influence over eight national team players.
The leaked audio describes Talha Aisham as an agent with substantial influence, not just over team selection, but also the players’ personal lives. The voice, alleged to be Ashraf’s, claims, “He even visits the players’ homes and maintains good relationships with their families. Players do not make any moves without his permission.”
In the audio snippet, Ashraf states that he suggested a compromise to Babar Azam, proposing that he continue as the Test captain but step down from the white-ball captaincy. However, Babar Azam’s reaction reportedly exacerbated the issue. Ashraf alleges, “When I advised Babar Azam to retain the Test captaincy and give up the white-ball captaincy, he asked me to send it home.”
Furthermore, the Chairman disclosed a Plan B, hinting at a fallback strategy if Azam did not agree with the aforementioned compromise. “I told Babar Azam that he should keep the Test captaincy as I considered removing him from the white ball. He said, ‘I will discuss this at home and then give you my decision.’ Babar Azam contacted Talha, who advised him to relinquish everything,” Ashraf alleges in the recording.
Chaudhry Muhammad Zaka Ashraf, also known as Yakka Ashraf, has been leading the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) since July 2023. Ashraf, born on September 9, 1952, is a distinguished Pakistani executive with a considerable career history, including a term as the president of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd (ZTBL).
The leaked audio has sparked a surge of reactions on social media, with cricket fans and experts expressing their disappointment at the supposed manipulations within the PCB. Zaka Ashraf’s Twitter accounts, @zakaashraf81 and @zaka_ashraf, have become the focal points for discussions on the controversy.
The response to the leaked audio has been immediate, with fans urging the PCB to be transparent and accountable. The cricketing world is closely observing how the board will address these potentially damaging accusations against Pakistani cricket.
