In a shocking revelation, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has claimed that the country’s cricket board (PCB) has not paid the national team players for the last five months. Latif made the startling claims after Pakistan’s disappointing loss to South Africa in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Friday.

Contents hide
1. Players Being Ignored by PCB Officials
2. Pakistan Facing Early Exit from World Cup
3. Babar Captaincy Under Threat

Players Being Ignored by PCB Officials

As per Latif, current captain Babar Azam has been repeatedly messaging PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf regarding the non-payment of salaries. However, his messages have been ignored by the chairman. Azam has also texted PCB chief operating officer (COO) Salman Naseer about the issue but with no response.

“Babar Azam has been messaging the chairman. But he is not responding. He even texted Salman Naseer (PCB COO). But he did not respond either. What it is the reason that he is not responding to his captain? Then, you are giving out a press release. You are also saying the central contracts will be redone. Players have not received salaries for five months. Should the players listen to you?,” Latif revealed during a discussion on PTV Sports.

The former captain questioned why the PCB officials were not responding to the national team captain’s repeated messages regarding the pending salaries. He pointed out that despite announcing new central contracts, the board has failed to clear the unpaid dues of the players from the last five months.

Also Read: Influencer’s Bizarre Money Drop Stirs Controversy

Pakistan Facing Early Exit from World Cup

Latif’s revelation comes at a time when Pakistan are struggling in the ongoing World Cup in India. With four losses in six games so far, the team is languishing at the sixth position in the points table and facing the prospect of an early exit from the tournament.

On Friday, Pakistan suffered a dramatic one-wicket loss to South Africa while chasing a modest target of 205 runs. The defeat has left them with an uphill task to qualify for the semi-finals.

Earlier, the 1992 world champions had lost to India, Zimbabwe and Netherlands in the group stage matches. The sole two wins have come against Hong Kong and South Africa.

Also Read: Pakistani Forces Violate Ceasefire Along Border in Jammu

Babar Captaincy Under Threat

The poor form of the team has put captain Babar Azam under immense scrutiny. Earlier this week, PCB had hinted that Azam’s captaincy future is on the line if Pakistan fail to qualify for the knockout stage.

“Looking ahead, the board will make decisions in the best interest of Pakistan cricket based on the team’s performances in the World Cup. At present, the PCB encourages fans, former players and stakeholders to rally behind the team as they strive to make a triumphant comeback in the mega-event,” the board had stated.

However, the shocking claims by Latif regarding non-payment of salaries has exposed the deep divide between the players and the board. With their campaign in tatters, the revelation could not have come at a worse time for Pakistan.

The board must now quickly address the payment issue and provide support to the beleaguered team. The focus needs to shift to on-field performances if Pakistan are to make a comeback in the remainder of the tournament.

Also Read: Customer Receives Wrong TV After Ordering Sony TV Worth Rs. 1 Lakh From Flipkart

 

Follow Us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Flipboard | Google News