Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has addressed the controversy surrounding his exclusion from the national team, offering clarity on his recent public disagreements with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the allegations leveled against him.
Fakhar, a key player in Pakistan’s recent cricketing history, was omitted from the central contracts for the 2024-25 season and excluded from recent touring squads after publicly supporting Babar Azam during the captain’s struggles against England.
Did Supporting Babar Azam Lead to His Exclusion?
The controversy sparked when Fakhar tweeted in support of Babar, who was rested for the final fixtures of the England Test series. This tweet, posted just days before the announcement of the squads for upcoming tours to Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, drew significant attention and speculation. It also coincided with reports that Fakhar’s vocal backing of Babar might have played a role in his exclusion from the touring parties.
In a recent interview, Fakhar vehemently denied any intention to criticize the PCB. “Looking back, I do feel it would have been better if I hadn’t posted the tweet,” he confessed. “But the interpretation that I was criticizing the board’s decisions is completely wrong.” Fakhar clarified that his tweet was aimed at defending Babar Azam against calls from journalists and former players for his removal from the squad, and stressed his deep respect for the PCB’s decisions.
Fakhar’s Return on the Horizon?
Fakhar’s last appearance for Pakistan was in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in June. Since his absence, young Saim Ayub has emerged as a promising fixture in the opening slot, though the other opening position remains uncertain due to Abdullah Shafique’s struggles. Fakhar has continued to impress in domestic cricket, and his potential recall for Pakistan’s upcoming tri-series at home against New Zealand and South Africa, ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy, remains a real possibility.
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