Rizwan opens up about Fakhar snub

The left-hander last played for Pakistan during the T20 World Cup

Pakistan's white1-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, addressed speculation surrounding Fakhar Zaman's omission from the national squad for the South Africa tour.

In a video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Rizwan emphasised that Fakhar's exclusion was not driven by personal bias.

"I think the whole of Pakistan knows Fakhar Zaman, and there's nothing personal about him that makes anyone feel like he's being treated unfairly. From the conversations we've had among ourselves, everyone is hopeful about him because he is something different for Pakistan – he's a character and a game-changer," said Rizwan.

The wicket-keeper batter also revealed that his omission from the squad was not related only to fitness issues.

"I don't think anyone knows that he's unwell, basically. It's not only fitness issue, meaning it's not like he failed a fitness test. From what I personally know, he's unwell with something like a viral fever. Because of this illness, he's been advised to participate in the ongoing T20 tournament in Pakistan. And, God forbid, if anything serious happens, the doctors will look after him properly," he said.

The 32-year-old further explained that the selection committee, coaching staff, and PCB management were all aware of the situation and supportive of Fakhar's recovery.

"I've also discussed this matter with the selection committee, and the coach and PCB management have been informed to take good care of Fakhar. So, there's nothing personal against him – the whole of Pakistan knows this. Everyone is hopeful that he'll rejoin the Pakistan team soon," he added.

Contrary to these claims, the 34-year-old, currently representing the Markhors in the ongoing Champions T20 Cup, dismissed the notion of being unfit.

"I'm fit, and that's why I'm playing. If there is a chance, I will play. I started my career at the Champions Trophy, and I'm thankful that my performances were good and we won matches there. In this Champions Trophy, my only effort will be to play well and win games," Fakhar said.

Last month, interim white-ball head coach Aaqib Javed addressed Fakhar's selection, citing fitness challenges as the reason for his omission.

"Fakhar is a match-winner; he has performed for Pakistan for many years. He was having some fitness problems," Aaqib shared.

"We are in communication with Fakhar. Whenever he gets fit, the selection committee will definitely consider him for selection, and you'll see him [playing] in the future," he added.

However, the left-handed batter failed to make it into the white-ball squads for the forthcoming tour. In a statement released by the PCB, Javed reiterated that fitness concerns were the reason for his exclusion.

"Fakhar Zaman was not considered as he is yet to regain form and match fitness," Javed was quoted by the PCB.

For the unversed, the opening batter's last appearance for the green shirts came during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 in June.

Winning momentum

Rizwan, who led the Men in Green to their first away series victory over Australia since 2002 in his first assignment, urged that the national team has become more proactive in adopting to different conditions as they have been on away tours since the start of November.

The wicketkeeper batter also termed the return of key players like Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi as a 'welcome development', which according to him, has created a fine blend of youth and experience.

"We have been on the road since last month and this is our third successive overseas tour, which has made the unit more proactive in terms of the preparations and getting used to the local conditions as soon as possible," said Rizwan.

"The return of Babar, Naseem and Shaheen to the white-ball squads is a welcome development for the team and with a fine blend of youth and experience, we look forward to do our best against South Africa in this T20I series before the focus shifts to the other two formats," he added.