Babar Azam Chat Leaked

Outrage Over Leaked WhatsApp Chats Between Babar Azam and PCB Official

Netizens and former cricketers have expressed their outrage over the alleged leak of "private" WhatsApp chats between Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, and a senior official of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The act has been condemned as a violation of privacy and an unethical move.

The controversy gained momentum after former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif's comments suggesting that the PCB's senior management was ignoring Babar Azam's messages.

Speaking on state-run broadcaster PTV Sports, Rashid Latif claimed that the captain had been messaging the PCB Management Committee chairman, Zaka Ashraf, Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer, and Director International Cricket Usman Wahla for the past two days, but none of the three had responded.

What Happened During the Live TV Show?

The controversy further escalated when a screenshot of the alleged WhatsApp chat between the two was aired on a private news channel.

When asked about the rumors circulating on TV and social media regarding him calling the chairman and not getting a response, Babar Azam allegedly replied, "Salam Salman bhai, main ney sir ko koi call nahi ki" (Salam Salman bhai, I haven't called the sir).

However, there was no mention of when this conversation took place.

Former Pakistan cricketer, Azhar Ali, who was a guest on the show, questioned the reporter if he had taken Babar's consent before leaking the private conversation.

To which he replied that as a reporter, he didn't need to ask.

This action did not sit well with netizens who slammed the TV channel management and the reporter for their "unethical" act.

"I think you all forgot that the WC tournament is still on... and he is still the captain of Pakistan. When will we grow up," tweeted Aneela Khawaja, a Pakistani journalist based in the UK.

Anchor Apologizes

Meanwhile, the show's anchor, Wasim Badami, has apologized on behalf of his team and the TV management for the incident and explained his side of the story.

He admitted that it was a mistake to air the screenshot without Babar Azam's consent and that he regrets it. He also revealed that the decision to air the screenshot was made at the last moment based on a video clip of the PCB head allegedly giving permission to do so.

However, the anchor acknowledged that it was a hasty decision and apologized for any inconvenience caused.

It is important to note that the alleged permission from the PCB head was irrelevant in this case as it involved two private individuals and Zaka Ashraf was not one of them. A formal statement from the PCB could clarify the matter.

babar azam chat leaked