Leaked Audio Points to Zaka Ashraf’s Involvement in Babar Azam’s Captaincy Ouster

Leaked on social media, an alleged audio recording features the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee, Zaka Ashraf, engaging in conversation with an unidentified woman. The clip has stirred controversy as it purportedly captures Ashraf explaining the rationale behind removing Babar Azam from the captaincy.

The discussion unveiled that “Babar Azam had assembled a group of eight players. Despite this, he was instructed to continue as the Test team captain.”

The woman asserts that fans observe the captain favoring his friends, with individuals close to him, such as Shadab, having no rightful place in the team.

In response to the woman, Zaka Ashraf allegedly says, “Pakistan cricket is deteriorating because of this.” Another unknown person also spoke up and said Hasan Ali was like that.

Meanwhile, Zaka Ashraf says that Hasan is also Babar’s friend. In response to Ashraf, the same unknown woman says no Abu; Hasan was included in the team because Naseem Shah was not there.

The PCB head then purportedly observes that a man named Talha serves as the player’s agent. “He has managed eight players of the national team, signed contracts with them, and cleverly built relationships with players’ families by visiting their homes. The players are heavily reliant on him, and he’s such a smart guy. Talha Osmani, I think, I don’t know his name.”

“I had advised Babar Azam to retain the Test captaincy but mentioned that I was considering removing him from the white ball captaincy. He replied that he would discuss it at home and inform me of his decision later. Babar Azam called Talha for consultation, and Talha advised him to relinquish everything.”

Ashraf then allegedly reveals that his “plan B” was prepared. “When Babar stepped down from the captaincy, I told the other guy, ‘Come on, now you are the captain.'”

The unidentified woman asks about the new captain, speculating if it is Shan Masood.

Zaka Ashraf responds, saying no, Shaheen Afridi is the captain in white-ball cricket. The woman questions whether Rizwan, better in white-ball cricket, should have been chosen.

Zak Ashraf mentions that he liked Rizwan but notes his deep involvement with Babar and Talha.

The unidentified lady suggests that Shahid Afridi, his father-in-law, influences Shaheen. Another person comments on Afridi’s interference, to which the lady responds, “Well, some interference is acceptable, you know.” In response, she wishes for improvement in all matters for Pakistan.

Also Read: Babar Azam Resigns Captaincy After Pakistan’s World Cup Exit