Waseem Badami offers apology over shared WhatsApp chat of Babar Azam
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 31 October 2023
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Waseem Badami has faced sharp criticism for sharing a private WhatsApp conversation of Babar Azam during his show. Despite an apology, the incident has sparked controversy among fans and former players.Summary
ISLAMABAD—ARY’s anchorperson Waseem Badami has offered a half-hearted apology for sharing a private WhatsApp conversation of Babar Azam, captain of the Pakistan cricket team, with an official of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The sharing of private WhatsApp conversations in a discussion on ARY led to sharp criticism and condemnations.
Even when during the talk show the conversation was shared, former captain Azhar Ali pointed out that for sharing it, permission should have been sought from Babar. Basit Ali, a former test player, also backed Azhar.
In a video message, Badami admitted it was a bad decision. However, he said just five minutes before the show went live, Zaka Ashraf, the chairman of PCB, allowed for the conversation to be aired. The controversy generated #BoycottARY hashtag.
“It was not one of the best decisions,” Badami said afterward. The airing of the private WhatsApp conservation seemed to respond to a claim by former Captain Rashid Latif in which he said Babar was trying to contact Zaka but was getting no response.
KEY POINTS:
- Waseem Badami shared Babar Azam's private WhatsApp message on air.
- The incident led to significant backlash, including calls for a boycott of ARY.
- Badami stated he received late permission from PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf to share the chat.
- Former players Azhar Ali and Basit Ali criticized the decision to air the conversation.
- The controversy stems from earlier claims about Babar's communication issues with PCB officials.
