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Pakistan’s seasoned opener, Fakhar Zaman, is reportedly contemplating retirement after being left out of both the central contracts list and Pakistan’s white-ball squads for the upcoming tours against Australia and Zimbabwe. Sources close to the player shared with Cricket Pakistan that his omission from these recent selections has deeply impacted his morale, intensifying his frustration with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) inconsistent treatment towards him.
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Exclusion and Fitness Standards Spark Disappointment
The PCB’s recent decision to exclude Fakhar comes after he failed a fitness evaluation focusing on a 2-kilometer run with an eight-minute time limit. Battling a knee injury, Fakhar was unable to complete the run within the allotted time, potentially affecting his selection. However, those close to the player revealed that other cricketers who missed similar fitness benchmarks were granted contracts and selected for upcoming series, leaving Fakhar feeling singled out.
Notably, Usman Khan reportedly stopped mid-way through his fitness test but retained his contract and secured a spot in the squads for the Australia and Zimbabwe series. This perceived double standard has fueled Fakhar’s frustration and has likely influenced his consideration to step away from international cricket.
PCB Contract Disparities
In addition to fitness-related disappointments, Fakhar’s camp highlighted perceived contract inconsistencies within the PCB. While Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker since July 2023, was surprisingly demoted from the A to B category, Naseem Shah, despite fewer wickets than Haris Rauf, maintained a B category contract. Babar Azam, despite struggling with form, retained his A category contract, further adding to the growing divide within the squad.
Fakhar’s Public Support of Babar Azam Adds Fuel to Speculation
Earlier this year, Fakhar publicly voiced his support for Babar Azam in a tweet after the PCB’s decision to rest the star batter during the England Test series. Some insiders believe Fakhar’s stance during the recent connection camp may have affected his standing with the board, contributing to his recent exclusions.
The developments leave Pakistan cricket at a potential crossroads, as the retirement of Fakhar Zaman would mark the end of an era for a player who has brought tremendous skill and dedication to Pakistan’s ODI and T20 sides.
