Turmoil escalates in Pakistan cricket as Babar Azam's WhatsApp chats leaked, major controversy grips PCB and Zaka Ashraf

Babar Azam's WhatsApp messages were leaked on live television.
Babar Azam's WhatsApp messages were leaked on live television.

Highlights:

Following Ashraf's actions, questions have arisen about whether Pakistan's captain gave permission to share his private chats.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, Zaka Ashraf allegedly gave the green light to leak the private WhatsApp chats of captain Babar Azam on live television. However, in response to these claims, Ashraf stated in an interview with a local news channel that the team's captain had never directly contacted him. Ashraf clarified, "He (Latif) says that I do not pick up his (Babar's) phone. He has never called me. The team captain should communicate with the Director of International Cricket and the Chief Operating Officer."

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Following Ashraf's actions, questions have arisen about whether Pakistan's captain gave permission to share his private chats. It should be noted that leaking personal messages can be considered a breach of privacy.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif made these claims on Saturday, alleging that PCB chief Ashraf was allegedly ignoring Babar's attempts to contact him and was avoiding his calls. These accusations have caused a stir in Pakistani cricket circles.

During the program, former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali asked if Babar's permission was obtained permission by the PCB president or the program to broadcast his private communication. Subsequently, the program's host released a video on social media apologising for leaking Babar's WhatsApp chat.

Babar Azam's leaked WhatsApp chat

"Babar, there’s also been news circulating on TV and social media that you have been calling Chairman and he’s not answering. Have you lately given him a call?" the WhatsApp message read. Babar’s response was, "Salam Salman bhai, I have not made any call to sir."

The host clarified that initially, they were hesitant to make the conversation public, but in the end, they decided to do so because the PCB chief Ashraf had given them permission. However, Badami emphasised that the channel had made a mistake by displaying the chat and offered a sincere apology.

The leaked WhatsApp chat has sparked controversy and discussions within the cricket community and among fans. Privacy and the ethics of sharing personal messages on a public platform have been widely debated.

This incident raises questions about the boundaries between personal and public communication, especially for public figures like cricket captains. It also underscores the importance of consent and ethical considerations when dealing with private messages.

Babar Azam is an acclaimed cricketer and the captain of the Pakistan national cricket team. His leadership and performance on the field are closely followed by fans and the cricketing community, making this incident a matter of public interest and concern.

As this situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the PCB and Babar Azam address the leak of the private WhatsApp chat and the related controversies. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges and responsibilities that come with being a prominent figure in the world of sports.

 

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