Fakhar Zaman’s Selection for Australia Tour in Doubt
Fakhar Zaman’s hopes of making the squad for the upcoming tour of Australia are hanging by a thread due to ongoing knee problems and disciplinary concerns that have recently come to light.
Fitness Concerns
The aggressive batter reportedly failed a crucial fitness test, casting doubt on his selection for the three ODIs and three T20Is against Australia. After returning from a lengthy trip to the West Indies, Fakhar was unable to complete a 2-kilometer run within the required 8-minute time frame, a benchmark set by the selectors. Additionally, sources indicate that he is dealing with a nagging knee injury, which has troubled him throughout the current domestic season. The selectors are increasingly worried about the potential consequences of exacerbating the injury during more intense international matches.
Disciplinary Issues
Adding to his selection woes, Fakhar Zaman is reportedly on thin ice with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) due to his recent comments surrounding two incidents. Firstly, during a recent connection camp regarding his No Objection Certificate (NOC), his remarks did not sit well with some senior PCB members, although the chairman remains supportive. Following these comments, Fakhar received a show-cause notice, giving him until Monday to respond, which further complicates his situation.
The second incident occurred when Fakhar tweeted his support for Babar Azam after Babar was dropped for the England Test series. The timing of this tweet was interpreted as a critique of the decision, further souring his relations with PCB officials.
Future Uncertain
While there had been discussions among former cricketers about potentially appointing him as the white-ball captain, Fakhar’s immediate future in the team now seems uncertain. As the selection process looms, all eyes will be on Fakhar Zaman to see if he can turn around his fortunes and secure a place in the squad or if this will mark a significant downturn in his career.
