Zaka Ashraf has reportedly resigned from his position as the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee.
This development follows the Shan Masood-led side’s 0-3 whitewash in the Test series against Australia and the impending risk of a 0-5 clean sweep under newly-appointed captain Shaheen Afridi in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand.
Ashraf, who took over from Najam Sethi, assumed the role of PCB Chairman on July 6, 2023. His term was subsequently extended by caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar in November of the same year.
Ashraf stated to Geo TV:
“I was working for the betterment of cricket but it is not possible for us to work in this way. Now it is up to Prime Minister [Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar], whomever he nominates [will take my place].”
https://x.com/geosupertv/status/1748365572755394934?s=46
During Ashraf’s tenure, the Pakistani cricket team participated in the Asia Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, they fell short of reaching the final in the Asia Cup and secured a fifth-place finish in the points table of the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Subsequent to these tournaments, Babar Azam stepped down from his role as the captain across formats. Additionally, Mickey Arthur, along with Grant Bradburn and Andrew Puttick, tendered their resignations after being reassigned to the National Cricket Academy.
In the aftermath, former captain Mohammad Hafeez has taken over as the team director, and ex-pacer Wahab Riaz assumed the role of the head of the selection committee.
“We couldn’t grab the opportunity in middle overs” – Shaheen Afridi comments on Pakistan’s defeat in the 4th T20I against NZ
Shaheen Afridi conveyed his disappointment as Pakistan faced consecutive losses in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand. He highlighted the failure of both the batting and bowling units to capitalize, despite solid starts by himself and Mohammad Rizwan in their respective departments.
“I think the way Rizwan gave us the start, it was very good. Unfortunately, we couldn’t grab the opportunity in middle overs.”
Afridi continued:
“I try to take wickets in the first over. I feel 170 was a good total on this pitch, and if we had grabbed our chances, we could have won this game.”
Pakistan will aim for a consolation victory in the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
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