Rashid Latif’s startling claims shake Pakistan Cricket Board as Pakistan’s ODI World Cup nightmare continues
The ODI World Cup is currently underway, and Pakistan is enduring a disappointing tournament. It is safe to assert that this is one of their worst performances to date. Numerous speculations have emerged regarding why the team has underperformed so drastically in this World Cup when they were initially expected to make a significant impact in the tournament, having been considered favourites even before the World Cup commenced.
Pakistan occupies the 6th position on the points table, having managed to win only 2 out of their 6 games played thus far. Their initial victories came against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka. However, following their third match against India, where Pakistan suffered a 7-wicket defeat with 117 balls remaining, they haven’t managed to secure a single victory. It’s worth noting that Pakistan had never before experienced a four-game losing streak in ODI World Cup history, making this a new low for the team.
Several former Pakistani cricketers have voiced their concerns about Babar Azam’s captaincy. However, former Pakistani captain Rashid Latif offers a different explanation for the team’s decline. Rashid Latif has made startling claims, accusing the Pakistan Cricket Board of failing to pay salaries to cricketers. Furthermore, Latif alleges that PCB officials, including chairman Zaka Ashraf, have been neglecting Babar Azam’s messages. These allegations come at a critical juncture when Pakistan is teetering on the edge of elimination from the ongoing ODI World Cup in 2023.
Behind Pakistan’s ODI World Cup struggles: Captaincy and controversies!
Latif’s accusations emerged following Pakistan’s narrow one-wicket loss to South Africa on October 27, Friday. During an interview on PTV Sports, Latif disclosed, “Babar Azam has been attempting to reach out to the chairman, but his efforts have gone unanswered. He even messaged Salman Naseer, the PCB COO, and received no response. What could be the reason for the chairman’s silence towards his own captain? Meanwhile, press releases are being issued, and they’re talking about reevaluating central contracts.”
Latif continued, “The players haven’t received their salaries for the past five months. Can you blame them for not heeding your directives?” Recent reports have further substantiated the claims that Pakistan players have been overlooked by PCB officials. Additionally, the Pakistan cricket governing body has indicated that it may reconsider Babar Azam’s captaincy based on his recent performances.
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سابق کرکٹر راشد لطیف صاحب نے حیرت انگیز انکشاف کیا ہے کہ جناب پروفیشنل چئیرمین پی سی بی مینجمنٹ کمیٹی ذکاء اشرف صاحب قومی ٹیم کے کپتان بابر اعظم کے میسجز اور کالز کا جواب نہیں دے رہے.. کپتان نے عثمان واہلہ سلمان نصیر سے بھی رابطہ کیا انہوں نے بھی کوئی جواب نہیں دیا…
اور اب ذکاء… pic.twitter.com/QBgDnO14HS— Qadir Khawaja (@iamqadirkhawaja) October 27, 2023
In response to these developments, the PCB released a statement stating, “Captain Babar Azam and Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq were granted autonomy and support in assembling the squad for the ICC World Cup 2023. Going forward, the board will make decisions in the best interests of Pakistan cricket, taking the team’s World Cup performances into account. Currently, the PCB calls on fans, former players, and stakeholders to support the team as they endeavour to stage a triumphant comeback in this marquee event.”
Pakistan will next face Bangladesh in their upcoming match at the World Cup on October 31 at Eden Gardens.
