PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf(x.com)
In a recent turn of events, a leaked audio clip is making rounds on social media, allegedly featuring Zaka Ashraf, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), revealing the behind-the-scenes strategy to remove Babar Azam from the captaincy across all formats.
In the 2-minute and 15-second audio recording, a voice resembling Ashraf suggests a plot to oust Babar Azam, citing connections between players and an individual named Talha (Aisham), who is portrayed as an influential agent. The voice claims that Talha has control over eight national team players, even visiting their homes and having strong ties with their families.
According to the leaked audio, the discord between Zaka Ashraf and Babar Azam allegedly began during the ICC World Cup 2023 in India. Pakistan's premature exit from the tournament, marked by four consecutive defeats, intensified the reported tensions between the PCB Chairman and the captain.
The controversy surrounding Babar Azam's captaincy took another turn in November when WhatsApp chats between Babar and PCB Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer surfaced, prompting questions about potential communication with Ashraf during the World Cup.
Watch Zaka Ashraf's Leaked Audio Clip here:
Following a post-World Cup review meeting in Pakistan, the PCB decided to remove Babar Azam from captaincy. Shan Masood was appointed as the Test skipper, and Shaheen Shah Afridi assumed the T20I captaincy. However, the ODI captaincy position remains vacant.
In the leaked audio, the voice resembling Zaka Ashraf explains the decision-making process, stating, "I had told Babar Azam to retain the Test captaincy but relinquish the white-ball captaincy. Instead, he insisted on stepping down from captaincy in all formats. I even had a plan B."
The alleged conversation sheds light on Babar Azam's involvement with a group of eight players and the influence of Talha, the purported agent. The voice claims that when Ashraf proposed the idea of Babar retaining the Test captaincy, the response was to consult with Talha, who advised Azam to step down entirely.
Zaka Ashraf is heard mentioning a "plan B" in place after Babar decides to step down. The leaked audio suggests a subsequent appointment of a new captain, with the voice stating, "When Babar left the captaincy, I said to the other man, ‘Chal bhai, ab tu captain hai.’"
The woman in the audio questions the new captain, speculating if it's Shan Masood. In response, the voice denies it, revealing that Shaheen Afridi has been appointed as the captain of white-ball cricket.
The leaked audio also touches upon the dynamics within the team, with discussions about Rizwan's suitability for the white-ball captaincy. Zaka Ashraf expresses his liking for Rizwan but hints at complications due to his association with Babar and Talha.
The leaked audio clip adds a layer of intrigue and controversy to the already tumultuous cricketing landscape in Pakistan. The unfolding drama raises questions about the internal workings of the PCB and the impact on the team's future dynamics.
 "Sumit Gupta")
