The Pakistan Cricket Team was under great scrutiny after their display at the recent ODI World Cup. It also led to the stepping down of Babar Azam as the captain for all three formats. was under tremendous pressure by the Pakistan media and former cricketers.
Soon after the World Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced that Azam had resigned from his post of captain across all three formats. Shan Masood was elected as the Test captain, while Shaheen Afridi took over the reins in the limited-overs format.
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Even during the World Cup, there were controversies between the then-Pakistan Captain Babar Azam, and PCB Chief, Zaka Ashraf. Zaka Ashraf has been in the mix, again!
An alleged audio clip of Ashraf has finally spilled the beans on why Babar left Pakistan captaincy.
Why did Babar Azam quit Pakistan captaincy?
Zaka Ashraf, PCB Chief, revealed a shocker of information through an alleged leaked audio footage. He revealed that the original plan was for Babar Azam to remain as the captain in the Test Format. However, his agent spoilt the plans for PCB.
I asked Babar to continue as the Test Captain of the Pakistan Cricket Team. I asked him to leave the post for the limited overs format. However, Babar answered me in a weird fashion. He asked me to tell it home. I then asked him to step down from all formats, said Ashraf in a leaked audio footage.
Ashraf further claimed that Talha an agent, has complete control over these eight players of the Pakistan Cricket Team. He also raised questions over the inclusion of Hassan Ali, who was called up to replace the injured Naseem Shah.
There is this person, Talha, who is the agent of 8 players contracted with the Pakistan Cricket Board. He has good relationship with the family members of these players. Why do you think Hassan Ali played in the World Cup? Due to Babar Azam's preferences. The agent has influenced the homes of the players, and continues to do so. He is very dominating, Ashraf added.
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What's next for Pakistan cricket team?
Pakistan were recently thrashed by Australia in the first Test of their away tour in the red-ball format. As a part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 Cycle, Pakistan are playing a three-match Test Series in Australia.
The next Test will be held on Boxing Day, as both giants of the cricketing world face off at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
