PCB Rejects Rashid Latif's Babar Azam-Zaka Ashraf Rift 'Claim'

image-lob3xr33Rumours of rifting between Babar and Zaka Ashraf has been circulating [X.Com]

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) rejected former wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif's accusation of board chief Zaka Ashraf not picking up constant phone calls made from India by Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and labelled the ex-player a conspiracy theorist. 

As Pakistan cricket fraternity fall to panic amidst the brewing disappointment from their early exit at the ICC World Cup 2023, Latif came in defence of captain Babar, who is facing a massive uproar and criticism of his leadership post, and claimed the man at the helm is not being provided sufficient support and communication by the PCB head.

Latif took aim at Ashraf as a guest speaker on Pakistan-based 'PTV Sports' by stating he hasn't been taking Babar's phone calls for the "last two days" and also accused the board of manipulating the central contracts, which he feels has acted as a distraction and outer concern for the players part of the World Cup squad. 

PCB denies Rashid Latif's Claims On Babar 

However, sources within the PCB regime vehemently quashed the idea in a report issued by 'Cricket Pakistan' and said there has been no attempt from Ashraf to leave Babar in a vulnerable spot and avoid taking responsibility for the team's lacklustre showings. 

"Contrary to Latif's claim, official sources within the PCB have refuted this allegation. Board officials expressed surprise at Latif's statement, asserting that Babar had not made any calls or sent messages to Zaka Ashraf," the 'Cricket Pakistan' report read. 


"According to a representative from the board, Babar had engaged in a lengthy phone conversation with Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer on Friday. In this conversation, Babar reportedly conveyed genuine appreciation to Zaka Ashraf for his role in resolving the central contract issue."

The sources further lambasted Latif for making "perplexing" remarks, highlighting he seems unaware that skipper Babar had a long "positive" meeting with PCB chairperson Ashraf in India at the sidelines of Pakistan's campaign. 

The Asian giants have suffered four consecutive defeats in the competition, including a memorable upset at the hands of Afghanistan, and now stand on the brink of elimination. Babar's men next play Bangladesh on Tuesday (October 31) in Kolkata.