Ex-Pak Skipper Alleges Babar Azam & Co. Have Not Received Salaries For Five Months Amid Poor Form In World Cup 2023

The Pakistan cricket team has been going through a rough patch in the ongoing World Cup 2023 and in the middle of their dismal run, former Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif has claimed that the players have not been paid by the board for close to five months now. Latif alleged the board while taking part in a panel discussion on a local news channel after Pakistan’s loss against South Africa in a nail-biting thriller on October 27.

As per Latif, the Men in Green Babar Azam is trying to contact the PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf and Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer but they are not replying to his messages.

“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 said on PTV Sports.

Latif’s remark has come at a crucial juncture when Azam’s leadership captivity is said to be under scrutiny. Earlier, the PCB issued a statement where they extended its support to the team even after their back-to-back defeats in the World Cup.

“Addressing the media scrutiny directed at captain Babar Azam and the team management, the board’s stance, echoing that of former cricketers, is that successes and defeats are part of the game. Captain Babar Azam and Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq were given freedom and support in forming the squad for the World Cup,” PCB had said.

In a total of six games so far, Pakistan has managed two wins in the ongoing World Cup. They are staring at an early exit from the mega event as their chances to secure a semifinal spot look bleak.