'Babar deserved a chance,' says Fakhar Zaman in response to PCB notice

Opening batter Fakhar Zaman has formally addressed the show-cause notice issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after his public comments supporting Babar Azam, who was dropped from the national squad for the second and third Test matches against England.

In a recent post on social media platform X, Fakhar expressed his concerns regarding Babar’s exclusion, drawing a parallel to India’s treatment of former captain Virat Kohli during his challenging phase between 2020 and 2023.

Fakhar noted that despite Kohli’s struggles, where his averages were recorded at 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, the Indian team continued to back him, highlighting the importance of supporting key players during difficult times. "It’s concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam,"

Fakhar wrote. "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."

The opening batter emphasized that it is crucial to protect and uplift players like Babar rather than undermine their confidence. "There is still time to avoid pressing the panic button; we should focus on safeguarding our key players rather than undermining them," he added.

In response to the PCB's show-cause notice, Fakhar reiterated his respect for the board, stating that his comments were made out of concern for a friend and a fellow player. "Babar Azam is one of the best batters in the world,

And that’s why I felt compelled to express my opinion," Fakhar clarified. "I believe Babar Azam deserved a chance during tough times, reflecting on the PCB's central contract as a fellow player." The 34-year-old's response highlights his commitment to the team and the PCB while advocating for the support of their leading players. He concluded by affirming, "The PCB is our institution, and we will continue to respect it."