In a recent twist, Pakistan Cricket Team captain, Babar Azam, has reportedly taken legal counsel to address the breach of privacy stemming from the leaked WhatsApp chat with a senior Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official.
The controversy unfolded last month when a private conversation between Babar Azam and PCB’s Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer was aired on local TV, unveiling a strained communication dynamic between the captain and the board’s management.
According to Geo Sports, Babar Azam’s decision to seek legal advice underscores the seriousness of the situation surrounding the leaked WhatsApp chat. As the former captain of the national cricket team, the public exposure of Babar’s private communications raises concerns not only about individual privacy but also about the relationship dynamics within the cricketing management.
This legal move signifies Babar’s commitment to addressing the issue through a legal lens, emphasizing the importance of confidentiality in internal cricket board communications.
The leaked WhatsApp conversation highlighted the strained relationship between Babar Azam and key PCB officials. The text exchange, which revealed a lack of communication between Babar and PCB Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf, fueled speculations of communication gaps and potential dissonance within the cricketing hierarchy.
Babar Azam, who recently announced his resignation from captaincy in all formats, faced challenges not only on the field but also in managing relationships off the field, especially with board officials.
Following Babar Azam’s resignation, Pakistan appointed Shan Masood as their Test captain and Shaheen Shah Afridi as their new T20I captain. The PCB has not yet named an ODI captain as there are no ODIs planned in the foreseeable future.
Babar was given the option to continue as Test captain, while the decision to remove him as white-ball skipper was presented to him as a fait accompli, as stated in a PCB release shortly after the resignation.