The on-field and off-field issues continue to haunt Pakistan cricket. Right on the heels of losing their fourth T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch on Friday which saw them fall 4-0 down in the five-game series, Pakistan have been jolted again.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf tendered his resignation late on Friday, bringing to an end a tumultous period for Pakistan cricket under his leadership.
Pakistan had failed to perform in the ODI World Cup held in India, failing to qualify for the semifinals while getting beat by the likes of Afghanistan.
After the World Cup, they haven't fared well. They were whitewashed 3-0 by Australia in a Test series down under before New Zealand won four T20Is in a row against a Pakistan team low on confidence.
With pressure mounting, PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf has called it a day in a move that will be momentous for the team.
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When did Zaka Ashraf become PCB chairman?
Ashraf became PCB chairman in July 2023, succeeding Najam Sethi. However, he has overseen a disastrous period in Pakistan cricket and his resignation was always coming.
He announced the decision in Lahore after chairing a PCB Management Committee meeting.
"At the end of the meeting, Mr Zaka Ashraf announced that he had decided to tender his resignation as chairman and member of the MC to the honourable Patron Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar," a PCB statement said.
"In his concluding remarks, Mr Zaka Ashraf, thanked the honourable Patron PCB for the confidence and trust reposed by him and extended his best wishes and prayers for the betterment of Pakistan and Pakistan cricket," the statement added.
Was Zaka Ashraf set to be sacked as PCB chairman?
There are reports that say that Ashraf's was set to be sacked as PCB chairman when his tenure would have ended in February 2024.
Sensing the inevitable, it is said that Ashraf would have taken the decision himself.
There are also reports claiming that Ashraf's educational qualifications were an issue as he is apparently not a graduate.
MORE: Mohammad Hafeez to be sacked as Pakistan Team Director?
What next for Pakistan?
Pakistan will hope for a consolation win in the fifth and final T20I at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch and would be keen to end their eight-game losing streak across all formats that stretches back to the 2023 World Cup.
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