PCB takes action against Fakhar Zaman for public remarks on Babar Azam’s exclusion

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a show cause notice to Fakhar Zaman after he publicly criticised the decision to drop Babar Azam for the second and third Tests against England.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Zaman expressed concern over the reports of dropping Azam, referring to him as "our premier batsman".

He suggested that such a move could send a deeply negative message across the team and urged the PCB to reconsider.

“It is concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam,” Zaman posted. “India didn’t bench Virat Kohli during his rough stretch between 2020 and 2023.

"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."

Zaman’s comments came just five minutes before the PCB announced its 16-member squad for the remaining two Tests against England, which did not include Azam, Shaheen Afridi, or Naseem Shah.

The PCB has given Zaman seven days to explain his position, and this development could further strain the relationship between Zaman and the board.

Last month, Zaman had expressed frustration over his treatment by PCB Director Usman Wahla, accusing him of delaying NOCs for participation in international T20 leagues.

The PCB has yet to respond publicly to Zaman's remarks, but this incident has sparked debate over player management within the team.