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Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has strongly criticized Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf for causing unwarranted turmoil in the media. The cricketing community in Pakistan has expressed its displeasure over the public disclosure of skipper Babar Azam's WhatsApp conversations through national media channels. This controversy eventually led to an apology from Pakistani TV news anchor, who had initially aired screenshots of these chats on television. However, the anchor also revealed that he and his team had been instructed by PCB's chief to make the messages public.
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This revelation by the anchor further fueled frustration among Pakistan's cricket fraternity, who are now directing their ire towards PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf. Shahid Afridi, a legendary all-rounder, spoke passionately on Samaa TV, urging Ashraf to concentrate on his administrative responsibilities and refrain from engaging with media outlets, especially at a time when the national team is participating in the World Cup.
"Zaka Ashraf Sahab is the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and not just of any random club. He needs to look after several things. I feel very strange when I get to know that he has been making phone calls to media houses and speaking about who all are speaking about him. Oh Khuda ke liye… aap chairman ho, aap deliver karo, aap kaam karo (For God’s sake, stop these and behave like a cricket board’s chairman)," Afridi told Samaa TV.
"People are speaking about you because you have allowed them to speak about you. You focus on your work. The team is playing World Cup and you are passing statements. Please focus on your job, we are cricketers and have hopes for you.
"Mauka aap kud de rahe hain, Apne kaam se kaam rakhein (Mind your business, Zaka Ashraf Sahab)," Afiridi concluded.
The controversy surrounding the public exposure of Babar Azam's WhatsApp chats has stirred a significant and contentious debate within Pakistan's cricketing circles, overshadowing the team's performance in the World Cup. The cricketing community, including Afridi, is emphasising the need for a more focused and professional approach from the PCB leadership, with the expectation that they will prioritize their roles and responsibilities, particularly during major international tournaments.
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