PCB sources reject Latif's claim about Babar Azam being ignored by Zaka Ashraf

Rashid Latif, the former Pakistani wicketkeeper often associated with propagating conspiracy theories, made an assertion on Saturday suggesting that Zaka Ashraf, the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee, was neglecting Babar Azam's attempts to reach out via calls and text messages.

Contrary to Latif's claim, official sources within the PCB have refuted this allegation. Board officials expressed surprise at Latif's statement, asserting that Babar had not made any calls or sent messages to Zaka Ashraf. According to a representative from the board, Babar had engaged in a lengthy phone conversation with Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer on Friday. In this conversation, Babar reportedly conveyed genuine appreciation to Zaka Ashraf for his role in resolving the central contract issue.

Moreover, it was highlighted that both Babar Azam and Zaka Ashraf had a positive meeting in India, making the notion of Zaka Ashraf ignoring Babar's attempts to communicate perplexing. The officials emphasized that discussions about overlooking Babar Azam appeared unfounded, given the amicable interactions between the captain and the PCB chief.