Pakistan’s cricket struggles should be blamed on ousted Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) top boss Zakja Ashraf, according to a former skipper.
“Conflict of interest” allegations against Zaka led to Pakistan’s downfall in the One Day International (ODI) World Cup in India last year, said chairman of selectors Inzamam ul Haq.
The former PCB official, not skipper Babar Azam, is accountable to Pakistani cricket fans. Pakistan lost several matches in the ODI World Cup, the 53-year-old ex-batman said.
Zaka’s decision to resign as PCB chairman and member of the board should now give Pakistan cricket a fresh start, Inzamam added.
“These changes affected the performance of the team and just imagine when they can put pressure on a world-class performer like Babar Azam,” the 6-foot-3 right-hander said.
“The team was struggling in the World Cup and they needed to be given full confidence but this didn’t happen,” he added.
Zaka was allegedly managed by a UK-based management firm, multiple reports said. This firm also looks after the business interests of some active players.
The affairs of the PCB and Pakistan cricket should not be managed on an ad-hoc basis moving forward, Inzamam said.
