Fakhar Zaman responds to PCB show-cause notice after expressing support for Babar, criticizing his exclusion from Pakistan’s squad amid concerns for the team’s future.
Fakhar Zaman Responds to PCB’s Show-Cause Notice
Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan’s cricket star, has officially reacted to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) show-cause notice issued in response to his social media post against Babar Azam. Fakhar publicly expressed his displeasure with the board’s decision to withdraw Babar from Pakistan’s squad for the final two Tests against England. The scandal has aroused debate among Pakistan’s cricket community, particularly around player treatment and the management of key players such as Babar Azam during difficult times.
Fakhar Zaman’s Public Criticism
The problem began after Fakhar Zaman expressed his dissatisfaction with Babar Azam’s absence from the Test squad on social networking platform X (previously Twitter). In his article, Fakhar drew a parallel between the treatment of Babar Azam and India’s treatment of star batter Virat Kohli during his dip from 2020 to 2023.
“It’s alarming to hear talk about dropping Babar Azam. India did not bench Virat Kohli throughout his poor run between 2020 and 2023, when he averaged 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, respectively,” Fakhar remarked. He stressed Babar Azam as one of Pakistan’s top batsmen, even claiming that he is “arguably the best Pakistan has ever produced.” Fakhar cautioned that removing such an important player could send a negative message to the whole team.
“There is still time to avoid pressing the panic button; we should focus on safeguarding our key players rather than undermining them,” Fakhar added, urging the PCB to reconsider their approach.
PCB’s Response and Show-Cause Notice
Following Fakhar’s post, the PCB responded quickly by sending a show-cause notice to the player, requesting him to clarify his statements. The board follows tight standards for public statements made by contracted players, particularly when they include decisions taken by team management or the board itself.
In response to the notice, Fakhar Zaman reiterated his earlier words, stating that his post was motivated by a wish to encourage a teammate during a difficult moment. “Babar Azam is one of the best batters in the world, and that’s why I felt compelled to express my opinion,” he said. He stated that his objective was to fight for Babar’s ability to restore form, stressing that such support is consistent with the PCB’s own principles when it comes to the Central Contract.
Fakhar went on to emphasize his respect for the PCB and his intention to work within the institution’s rules. “The PCB is our institution, and we will continue to respect it,” he concluded in his formal reply to the notice.
Potential Impact on Fakhar Zaman
As the issue unfolds, indications suggest that Fakhar Zaman may face internal challenges within the team. It has been suggested that Fakhar, who has been suffering with fitness concerns, may be dropped for the forthcoming series against Australia. This incident, combined with his public comments, has sparked speculation that Fakhar’s future with the national squad is in doubt.
Nonetheless, many have viewed Fakhar’s choice to speak out on Babar Azam’s behalf as a daring gesture that demonstrated squad camaraderie. His analogy to Virat Kohli’s case emphasizes the necessity of supporting great players during difficult times, and his sentiments have resonated with fans and teammates alike.
As of now, it remains to be seen how the PCB will handle Fakhar Zaman’s response and whether this controversy will lead to further repercussions. For now, the cricketing community watches closely to see how the board navigates this delicate situation, balancing player advocacy with organizational discipline.
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