PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf resigns: Zaka Ashraf has resigned from Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) Management Committee chairman's post in a big turn of event. Notably, Ashraf joined the PCB's Board of Governors on July 6, 2023, stepping into the role of the Management Committee's chairman, a position previously held by Najam Sethi. Zaka Ashraf's shocking announcement came after Pakistan team's seven-wicket loss in the fourth T20I against New Zealand on January 19.
"I was working for the betterment of cricket but it is not possible for us to work in this way," Zaka Ashraf said as quoted by Geo News.
“Now it is up to Prime Minister [Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar], whomever he nominates [will take my place],” he added.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Kakar prolonged the duration of the Management Committee led by Ashraf In November 2023. Under Ashraf's leadership, Pakistan participated in two mega tournaments — the Asia Cup 2023 and the ODI World Cup 2023. However, Pakistan team faltered badly in both the tournaments. The Men in Green were unable to reach the final of the Asia Cup and also failed to secure a spot in the World Cup semi-finals.
Following the World Cup, Babar Azam stepped down from his captaincy in all formats. He was succeeded by Shan Masood for Test matches and Shaheen Afridi for T20 Internationals.
The Management Committee also decided to reassign the coaching staff, previously led by then-director Mickey Arthur, to the National Cricket Academy. However, they eventually resigned from their positions. Former Pakistan skipper Mohammad Hafeez was then appointed as the team director, while the ex-fast bowler Wahab Riaz assumed the post of chief selector. Since this new leadership took charge, the team has not managed to secure a victory. They faced a 3-0 series defeat in the Test matches against Australia and have lost the first four games in the T20I series against New Zealand, with one game remaining.
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