PCB eases stance on Fakhar Zaman’s selection issue after his response to a show-cause notice. Positive signals indicate his return could soon be finalized.
(Source inside PCB)
PCB to resolve Fakhar Zaman issue soon
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has eased its stance on left-handed opening batter Fakhar Zaman following his reaction to a show-cause notice, according to Geo News sources. Fakhar Zaman had came under fire for a contentious post on X (previously Twitter) in which he publicly attacked the PCB selection committee’s decisions. The topic generated great public interest, particularly given Pakistan’s upcoming white-ball series against Australia and Zimbabwe.
In his reaction to the PCB, Fakhar Zaman clarified his perspective on his post, and the cricket board allegedly accepted this explanation positively. According to sources close to the matter, Fakhar’s difficulties in rejoining the team may be resolved shortly, as the PCB plans to take positive action in response. A decision on Fakhar Zaman’s role is expected in the coming days, perhaps resolving the ongoing conflict.
Mohammad Rizwan, the newly chosen white-ball captain, has also spoken out on Fakhar Zaman’s prospective return to the national squad. Rizwan, who recently took over as captain, pledged support for Fakhar’s future in the national team. However, Fakhar Zaman’s name was missing from both the central contracts list and the original squad list for the next matches, raising concerns regarding his participation in the series beginning November 4.
At a news conference in Lahore, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reiterated the board’s position on Fakhar Zaman’s withdrawal from the squad. According to Naqvi, the PCB does not meddle with the selection committee’s decisions, underlining that selection matters are kept separate. “The selection committee will decide who will be included or omitted from the team,” Naqvi had said. “I have never requested any player’s inclusion or exclusion; the committee is fully empowered, and I have complete faith in it,” he said in regard to Fakhar’s situation.
The PCB chairman cited Fakhar Zaman’s present fitness level and his controversial tweet on X as important reasons for his exclusion from the squad. The article in question lambasted the selectors for removing Babar Azam during a previous Test series against England, a decision that Fakhar vocally opposed.
With favorable communication between Fakhar Zaman and the PCB, it appears that there may be an opportunity for him to return to the national squad. As the PCB deliberates on the topic, the cricketing fraternity awaits the ultimate judgment on Fakhar Zaman’s participation in the squad.
Also Read: Mohsin Naqvi Addresses Fakhar Zaman’s Exclusion from Squads, Contract