'Babar Azam messaging PCB chief for days but they are not responding. Players not getting salaries'

Pakistan were among the favourites to reach the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinals before the start of the tournament. However, the fortunes have changed quickly for the Babar Azam-led side as they lost their fourth consecutive match of the tournament. Amidst the team's poor performance in the CWC 2023, the players are also not getting salaries from the Pakistan Cricket Board, and reports have also emerged that the PCB chief Zaka Ashraf is also not answering to calls from the Pakistani captain. The ‘Men in Green’ have only been able to win against low-ranked teams such as the Netherlands and Sri Lanka, whereas they were badly exposed against quality teams such as India, Australia and South Africa. 

3 things you need to know 

• Pakistan are placed in the sixth spot in the CWC 2023 points table 
• Babar Azam and Co. recently lost the PAK vs SA CWC 2023 match by one wicket 
• The Pakistani team has lost to India, Australia, Afghanistan and South Africa in the CWC 2023 

ODI World Cup: PCB chief Zaka Ashraf ignoring calls from Babar Azam

Controversies and PCB have a very old connection which have been exposed by former Pakistani cricketers from time to time. Be it the selection of players or the influence of political leaders in the cricket board, Pakistan cricket has always been in the limelight. Amidst Pakistan's forgettable World Cup campaign, former cricketer Rashid Latif has made a shocking claim on Pakistan's cricket governing body. Latif, while speaking to PTV, alleged the Pakistani media of spreading fake news and they have kept the true news on hold. Exposing PCB, Rashid Latif said: 

In the Pakistani media, many things are happening. Perhaps they are false news. I will provide you with the true news, which was kept on hold. Babar Azam has been trying to message the chairman for the past two days, but they are not responding. He is messaging Salman Naseer (Chief Operating Officer), he is messaging Usman Walha (Director – International Cricket). So, what is the reason for not responding to their captain? Then, you are releasing a press statement. And it has been told to the players that we will reconsider the central contracts they have signed. These central contracts will not be accepted. Players have not received their salaries for five months, so how will they play? I didn’t want to reveal this. 

What next for Pakistan in the ODI World Cup 2023? 

The bowling department was one of the biggest strengths of the Pakistan cricket team before they were hit by a major injury blow to pacer Naseem Shah. The pace battery which was famous for its unplayable pace has conceded over 300 runs in two of the six games, whereas in matches against India and Afghanistan, the teams have chased down the targets in dominant fashion. The opening is also another aspect that the Pakistani team has failed in the CWC 2023. Skipper Babar Azam's form is also a big question mark as he has not played like the number one batter in the tournament so far. The Pakistani team is mathematically still in the semi-final race of the 2023 ODI World Cup but logically they are already ruled out of the tournament.