LAHORE (Daily Point) — Pakistani Cricket Team Skipper Babar Azam once again finds himself in the spotlight on ARY News, where panelists Kamran Akmal, Shoaib Jatt, and Waseem Badami have been discussing cricket and the captain’s performance. This exposure has frequently led to moments of embarrassment.
In the most recent talk show, Shoaib Jatt, a journalist known for his critical stance on Babar Azam, shared a private WhatsApp conversation on live television. This move has sparked outrage among Pakistani cricket enthusiasts, numerous senior cricketers, the media, and the legal community. Even Indian journalists have criticized this journalistic approach as unethical.
Unfortunately, Pakistan still has three more matches to play, but ARY News continues to focus excessively on negative aspects, potentially jeopardizing the spirit of cricket and the morale of the national captain.
Even the respected former fast bowler, Waqar Younis, expressed his astonishment at the quality of ARY’s programming during the Cricket World Cup, voicing his frustration through a tweet.
Noreena Shams, Pakistan’s top squash player, also registered her protest against this controversial program via Twitter.
Digital media activist, cybercrime specialist, and lawyer Nighat Dad has suggested that Babar Azam should consider taking legal action against the program host and the channel for sharing his private chat without consent.
The situation concerning the actions of Zaka Ashraf, the political appointee of the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), raises concerns about professionalism, especially in light of the challenges faced by the Pakistan Cricket Team during the Cricket World Cup in India.
The timing of these actions is particularly significant, as the national team’s performance in a high-profile tournament like the Cricket World Cup significantly impacts the country’s cricketing reputation. In such a critical moment, the team requires unwavering support from all stakeholders, including the Chairman of PCB. This support is crucial for boosting the morale of the players and fostering a positive atmosphere, which is essential for their performance.
However, Zaka Ashraf’s actions appear to be counterproductive. His controversial interviews and meetings with former cricketers, followed by their highlighting on social media, send mixed signals. While it is essential for cricket administrators to engage with former players and seek their insights, the public and potentially divisive nature of these interactions can disrupt the unity and focus of the team.
