PCB reacts to Fakhar Zaman’s comments on Babar Azam’s exclusion from Test squad

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed displeasure over Fakhar Zaman's public criticism of the selection panel's decision to rest former captain Babar Azam for the upcoming two-Test series against England in Multan and Rawalpindi.

Zaman, via a post on the social media platform X, questioned the rationale behind dropping Babar, sparking internal discontent within the PCB.

A source in PCB revealed that senior officials were not happy with Zaman’s comments.

"The top board officials are not pleased with the tweet sent out by Fakhar and relevant persons are having a word with him about it," a well-informed PCB source said.

In his post, Fakhar compared Babar’s situation to that of India's star batsman Virat Kohli, who was retained in the team despite struggling with form between 2020 and 2023.

"It's concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam. India didn't bench Virat Kohli during his rough stretch between 2020 and 2023, when he averaged 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, respectively.

"If we are considering sidelining our premier batsman, arguably the best Pakistan has ever produced, it could send a deeply negative message across the team. There is still time to avoid pressing the panic button; we should focus on safeguarding our key players rather than undermining them," Zaman wrote on social media platform.

The source added that one of the newly appointed selectors, former captain Azhar Ali, had already discussed the decision with Babar.

"Azhar made it clear to Babar that he remained an integral part of Pakistan cricket's future set-up and planning," the source said.

Aqib Javed, another selector, elaborated on the tough choices the selection panel had to make.

"We've had to carefully consider current player form, the urgency to bounce back in the series and Pakistan's demanding 2024-25 international schedule. With these factors in mind and the best interest of Pakistan cricket as well as the players, we've made the decision to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi," he said.

It is worth noting that after suffering a humiliating defeat at the hands of England in the series opener, Pakistan will face the Three Lions again in the second Test, scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 15 October, in Multan.

Pakistan’s updated squad for the remaining Tests: Shan Masood (C), Saud Shakeel (VC), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah (WK), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, and Zahid Mehmood.