Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif has made a shocking claim that PCB officials, including chairman Zaka Ashraf, have been ignoring text messages of national team captain Babar Azam.

The Men in Green are having a torrid time in the ongoing Cricket World Cup in India. They have lost four out of six games and are on the brink of early elimination from the global tournament.

Speaking on PTV Sports, Latif revealed that the Pakistan cricketers have not been paid by the board for the last five months.

"Babar Azam has been messaging the chairman. But he is not responding. He even texted Salman Naseer (PCB COO). But he did not respond either. What it is the reason that he is not responding to his captain? Then, you are giving out a press release. You are also saying the central contracts will be redone. Players have not received salaries for five months. Should the players listen to you?," Latif said.

Earlier this week, PCB issued a media release, hinting that Babar Azam could be sacked as captain if the team fails to deliver at the World Cup.

"Addressing the media scrutiny directed at captain Babar Azam and the team management, the board's stance, echoing that of former cricketers, is that successes and defeats are part of the game. Captain Babar Azam and Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq were given freedom and support in forming the squad for the ICC World Cup 2023," PCB had said in a statement.

"Looking ahead, the board will make decisions in the best interest of Pakistan cricket based on the team's performances in the World Cup. At present, the PCB encourages fans, former players and stakeholders to rally behind the team as they strive to make a triumphant comeback in the mega-event."

Pakistan still have a mathematical chance to make it to the semi-finals, but their qualification will now depend on the results of other teams.

The Babar Azam-led side is due to face Bangladesh in their next match at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Tuesday (October 31).