Fakhar Zaman's future in international cricket has been discussed for the past few days. Because, the left-handed Pakistani cricketer has been excluded from the new central contract. Even after each series, his name does not appear during the announcement of the team.
Not just Fakhar, the 'unpredictable' drama continues in Pakistan year after year. Aqib Javed replaced Gary Kirsten after many plays. Pakistan's new white ball coach Aqib appointed ahead of Zimbabwe tour. Akib spoke at a press conference yesterday before leaving for Zimbabwe. Questions about Fakhar, who was dropped in two consecutive series (Australia, Zimbabwe), came to Akib. Pakistan's new coach said in a press conference, 'Fakhar Zaman is a match-winning player. He has been performing in Pakistan jersey for many years. Currently suffering from fitness issues. The selection committee will reconsider the selection once the old fitness is back.'
Fakhar has a relationship with Akib even before becoming the coach of the national team. Whereas Fakhar played for Lahore Qalandars in Pakistan Super League (PSL). Before taking charge of PCB, Aqib was the director of cricket and pace bowling consultant of Lahore. Regarding Fakhar, Akib said, 'We are in contact with Fakhar. He will be seen playing again (for Pakistan) only if he is fit.'
The official schedule of the Champions Trophy has not been published by the ICC, but the schedule has already been leaked by the British newspaper 'The Telegraph'. The tournament is scheduled to be held in February-March, according to the Telegraph schedule. As the ICC event knocks on the door, so does Aqib's thoughts on the ODI edition of the event. Pakistan's new white-ball coach said, 'With the Champions Trophy in front, our focus is currently on ODI cricket. You can see the team in this edition. You will also see changes in T20. We have plans to give opportunities to newcomers in the Zimbabwe series.'
As much as there is talk of fitness, other reasons are being discussed for Fakhar's exclusion. Babar Azam was dropped from Pakistan's squad for the last two Tests against England at home in October. As soon as Babar was dropped, Fakhar posted on social media criticizing PCB. As a result PCB issued him a show cause notice. Within a week, Fakhr also replied.
Fakhar played 82 ODIs from 2017 to 2023. He scored 3492 runs at an average of 46.56 and a strike rate of 93.44. Along with 11 centuries there are 16 fifties. He is also the first batsman of Pakistan to score a double century in ODIs. His innings of 114 runs at the London Oval helped Pakistan win the 2017 Champions Trophy against arch-rivals India.
