Fakhar denies criticising PCB

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman addressed his tweet supporting Babar Azam amidst allegations that led to his exclusion from the team.

The left-handed batter, who was omitted from the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) central contracts list for the 2024-25 season, spoke about claims regarding his fitness and alleged criticism of the PCB.

Fakhar's tweet, posted before the announcement of the squad for the second and third matches of the England Test series, gained widespread attention as he expressed support for Babar Azam, who had been rested for the final matches.

The tweet coincided with reports suggesting that Fakhar was dropped from squads for the Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa tours due to speaking out.

In an interview with a private media outlet, Fakhar denied targeting the PCB.

"Later on, I did think it would have been better if I hadn't posted the tweet. But people misunderstood it as criticism of the board's decision, which is 100% wrong," Fakhar said.

He clarified that his tweet was directed at journalists and former cricketers who had called for dropping the star batter from Pakistan's squad.

"I tweeted before the team announcement—about three days earlier. I saw some journalists and ex-players saying Babar should be dropped. I felt they were disregarding his contributions, so I responded. It wasn't a criticism of the board," he explained.

The 34-year-old also shed light on his fitness issues, revealing that he had requested a two-month rest after being diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.

"I had an understanding with the PCB that I would rest for two months. I wasn't aware of my condition when the team was departing for Australia. Later, I found out I was suffering from hyperthyroidism. Now, I am thankful I didn't travel with the team because you cannot perform in such a condition," Fakhar said.

Previously, Chief Selector Naqvi stated in a press conference in Lahore that Fakhar's fitness, along with his tweet, were factors in his omission.

"There is definitely the issue of the tweet. But that doesn't matter as much as his fitness tests. He had two issues: the fitness test and the show-cause notice, which is still pending. That is why he hasn't been included in the central contracts list," Naqvi said.

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

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

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

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

It is wroth mentioning here that Fakhar Zaman's (89) powerful knock helped UMT Markhors showcase a dominating performance to storm into the final of the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup with 29-run win over Nurpur Lions in the qualifier here at Pindi Stadium Monday.

Markhors will lock horns against Allied Bank Stallions in the event's final. In a virtual semi-final (qualifiers), Fakhar Zamn's innings proved decisive as he ensured a competitive 180-6 in 20 overs. Lions struggled all the way, ending up at 151-9. The final will now be played on December 25.

Pakistan discard Fakhar Zaman's entertaining knock was the highlight of the day as he struck five sixes and nine fours in his 64-ball knock.