Shoaib Akhtar urges PCB, Fakhar Zaman to mend differences

Shoaib expresses disappointment over Fakhar Zaman’s ongoing benching, calling it a result of internal conflicts.

Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has weighed in on the ongoing standoff between opening batter Fakhar Zaman and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), urging both parties to resolve their differences for the greater good of Pakistan cricket.

Speaking on a state news channel, the former fast bowler expressed his disappointment over Fakhar Zaman’s continued exclusion from the national squad, suggesting that the decision was rooted in "ego battles" within the team management.

"Fakhar Zaman is a mature and committed player, but he’s been unfairly benched because of ego battles. Even if you don’t play him now, you will need him sooner or later — if not today, then tomorrow," said Shoaib Akhtar.

Shoaib Akhtar advised the left-handed batter to focus solely on his performance and avoid making public statements about his exclusion. "Fakhar needs to understand that he should let his bat do the talking. Instead of making statements, he needs to focus on performing well when given the opportunity," Shoaib Akhtar added.

Fakhar Zaman, 34, was not included in Pakistan’s white-ball squads for the ongoing series against South Africa, with interim head coach Aqib Javed citing Zaman’s fitness and lack of match form as the reason for his exclusion.

However, Fakhar Zaman, who was active in the ongoing Champions T20 Cup, stated that he is fully fit and ready to play whenever the opportunity arises.

"I'm fit, and that's why I'm playing. If given a chance, I’ll play and aim to perform well. My goal is to help Pakistan win, just like I did during the Champions Trophy," Zaman remarked.

Shoaib Akhtar’s comments reflect the growing concern around internal team conflicts and their impact on Pakistan’s cricketing performance. The veteran pacer has been a vocal advocate for players’ rights and believes that resolving internal issues will benefit Pakistan cricket in the long run

Previously 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 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.