Pakistan Cricket: PCB Chief leaks Babar Azam’s chats

PCB Chief, Zaka Ashraf has leaked WhatsApp chats of Babar Azam with PCB COO, Salman Naseer on a news channel. Here is a look at the controversy.

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There’s a brewing controversy in the cricket world as Rashid Latif, a former Pakistani cricketer, has accused Zaka Ashraf, the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee, of allegedly neglecting attempts made by Babar Azam to contact him through calls and text messages.

In response, Ashraf denied any direct communication from the Pakistan team’s captain. He explained in an interview on a local news channel, “He [Latif] claims that I don’t answer Babar’s calls. Babar has never called me. The team’s captain should communicate with the Director of International Cricket or the Chief Operating Officer.”

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However, Ashraf attempted to substantiate his claim by sharing what was said to be Babar Azam’s personal WhatsApp message during the TV interview. The WhatsApp exchange, aired live, supposedly involved Babar and PCB’s Chief Operating Officer, Salman Naseer.

Babar Azam chats leaked

In the revealed conversation, Naseer’s message reportedly inquired about Babar trying to contact the Chairman, stating, “Babar, there are rumours on TV and social media about you calling the Chairman and receiving no response. Have you tried reaching out recently?” According to the host, Babar responded, “Salam Salman bhai, I haven’t made any call to sir.”

This revelation on live TV raised ethical concerns, as the leak of private messages might be seen as a breach of privacy, especially if Babar didn’t consent to their disclosure.

Former cricketer Azhar Ali also raised the issue of consent during the program, questioning whether Babar had agreed to the sharing of his personal message.

Waseem Badami issues an apology

The show’s presenter, Waseem Badami, acknowledged the mistake made by disclosing Babar’s conversation. He clarified that while there was hesitation about revealing the conversation initially, they ultimately aired it after receiving what they believed to be permission from the PCB chief. Badami, however, recognized this as an incorrect decision and offered a sincere apology for the channel’s error.