Tag: Fakhar Zaman

Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody, who is serving as the Director of Cricket for Desert Vipers in the International League T20 (ILT20), has lauded the capabilities of explosive Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman.

Currently, Fakhar is in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he is set to represent Desert Vipers, alongside his compatriots Azam Khan and Mohammad Amir, for the 2025 season of the ILT20, which will kick off later today.

Moody, during an interview, expressed excitement to work with the Pakistani opening batter, while acknowledging Fakhar’s power-hitting abilities.

“At the end of the day, as long as he [Fakhar Zaman] is delivering for the Desert Vipers, that’s a real bonus for us,” Moody stated.

“We know he’s an exciting player and what he can bring to the table.

“That’s why we embraced the opportunity to have him as part of our squad. There’s no question about his capabilities and the impact he can have as a player. We welcome him wholeheartedly.”

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Tom Moody took the time to discuss Fakhar’s fitness status, noting that he appeared to be in excellent shape and fully prepared for the upcoming tournament.

“He looks great in the net sessions. He’s fitted in perfectly and has trained really well. We’re looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the table,” he concluded.

It’s worth noting that Fakhar Zaman recently revealed that he had been excluded from Pakistan’s white-ball team due to health issues following the T20 World Cup 2024.

However, he has recovered and is now focusing on making a strong comeback for the Champions Trophy 2025.

“I have recovered 100% and you will see me in the next international series which Pakistan plays,” he said.

“Actually, many people do not know this, but after the T20 World Cup, I got sick and due to my medical condition, I was not fit, so I was not part of the team.”

READ: Imam-ul-Haq, Abrar Ahmed named in Pakistan squad for West Indies Tests

Explosive top-order batter Fakhar Zaman has expressed his eagerness to return to the Pakistan cricket team for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Currently, Fakhar is in the United Arab Emirates, where he is playing for the Desert Vipers in the International League T20 (ILT20).

While he is actively participating in domestic and franchise cricket, he has not represented Pakistan since the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024.

However, he has been in the news since November due to a social media post expressing his disappointment over the exclusion of Babar Azam from the last two Tests during the home series against England.

In response to the post, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a show-cause notice to Fakhar Zaman and subsequently left him out of the central contracts. He was also not considered for the tours of Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

Recently, Fakhar revealed that he had been sidelined due to health issues following the T20 World Cup 2024. He is now focusing on making a strong comeback for the Champions Trophy 2025.

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“I have recovered 100% and you will see me in the next international series which Pakistan plays,” he said. “Actually, many people do not know this, but after the T20 World Cup, I got sick and due to my medical condition, I was not fit, so I was not part of the team.”

“My plan has been around the Champions Trophy. I did not play in Australia or in South Africa, as my whole plan was to play in the Champions Trophy to make myself available and to be fully fit for the tournament.”

Fakhar Zaman also shared that although he prefers to open the innings, he is ready to play at any position in the batting order according to the requirements of the team.

“In Pakistan, we have three of the best players in the world in Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Saim Ayub, so sometimes I feel lucky to be in the team even if I am not able to make my place as an opener,” he said.

“If the team has faith in me and wants me to bat at number four or five, that totally makes sense, because for me, the team always comes first and I play wherever the team wants me to play. But I always prefer to open.”

READ: Ali Tareen reveals Ihsanullah may never bowl like before

Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman broke his silence on Monday over his post in support of star batter Babar Azam back in October.

During Pakistan’s home series against England, Fakhar, in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, expressed his disappointment over the exclusion of Babar from the last two Tests after a string of poor performances.

Following the post, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a show-cause notice to Fakhar and left him out of the central contracts. The explosive batter was also not considered for the tours of Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

While the PCB cited fitness issues for Fakhar’s exclusion, critics suggested that his supportive post about Babar was the real reason.

During an interview with a private media outlet, Fakhar addressed the whole situation and clarified the reason behind his post.

“I did think [later] it would have been better if I didn’t do it [the post]. But people misunderstood that I criticised the board’s decision, which is 100% wrong,” he said when asked if he could have avoided such a post.

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Fakhar Zaman mentioned that his post was targeted at journalists and former cricketers who were asking to drop Babar Azam from the Pakistan squad.

“I did the tweet before the team announcement. I was watching the news from the last 2-3 days prior to the tweet and some of the journalists and ex-players were saying that he [Babar Azam] should be dropped,” he added.

“I felt that these people were disregarding all his services and saying he should be dropped. It was coming to my mind again and again which prompted me do to that tweet.

“But I tweeted it before the announcement. I wouldn’t have done it after the announcement as I am a cricketer myself and also a centrally contracted player of the PCB. I have to play cricket in the future as well.”

While addressing his fitness issues, he mentioned that he had requested the PCB for a two-month rest as he was unwell.

“I had an understanding with the PCB that I would rest for two months and I had no idea about my sickness when the team was departing for Australia,” he revealed.

“Later, I found out that I was suffering from Hyperthyroidism. Now, I am thankful that I did not go with the team because you cannot perform in such a condition.”

READ: Mohammad Amir comments on Babar Azam-Virat Kohli comparison

Pakistan’s young opening batter Saim Ayub joined his compatriot Fakhar Zaman and Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli in an elusive list with his match-winning century in the third ODI against South Africa on Sunday.

Saim played a stellar quick 101-run knock from 94 balls, laced with 15 boundaries that included two sixes, in the third ODI and helped Pakistan white-wash South Africa in the three-match series.

Saim’s remarkable performance in the series culminated in his second century, a feat that not only highlighted his batting prowess but also earned him the coveted Player of the Series award.

Over the course of the series, he amassed an impressive total of 235 runs and contributed with the ball, claiming two wickets.

Watch Pakistan vs South Africa Live on ARY ZAP

His second century positioned him among an elite group of overseas batters who have scored multiple ODI centuries on South African soil.

This prestigious list features renowned cricketing legends such as Virat Kohli, David Warner, Joe Root, Fakhar Zaman, and Kevin Pietersen.

While batting first Saim Ayub lost his opening partner Abdullah Shafique in the first over. He then built a partnership of 114 runs from 133 balls for the second wicket with Babar Azam to set up Pakistan’s total of 308-9.

However, Kwena Maphaka broke the stand as he removed Babar, who scored 52 runs from 71 balls with the help of seven boundaries.

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Saim was joined by skipper Mohammad Rizwan (53) and they increased the scoring rate with their 93-run stand that conceded only 75 balls.

Rizwan and Saim fell in quick succession but Salman Ali Agha played a quick-fire knock of 48 runs from 33 balls and added a crucial partnership of 74 runs with Tayyab Tahir (28) to provide a finishing touch to Pakistan’s innings.

In response, South Africa, despite a spirited performance, were bundled for 271 runs in 42 overs.

It’s worth noting that Pakistan became the first-ever team to clean-sweep the Proteas in an ODI series in South Africa.

WATCH: Mohammad Rizwan takes stunning catch to dismiss David Miller

Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has recently opened up about the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to drop explosive opening batter Fakhar Zaman.

The Pakistan men’s selection committee, on 4 December, announced the squads for the ongoing South Africa tour. However, Fakhar was once again ignored after being left out of the central contracts as well as the recent tours of Australia and Zimbabwe.

Akhtar, while speaking on a local news channel, stated that Fakhar is a key player in white-ball cricket and he should be brought back into the line-up.

“He [Fakhar Zaman] is a good, mature, and committed player, but you’ve unnecessarily benched him due to ego battles,” said Shoaib. “Even if you don’t play him now, you will need him sooner or later — if not today, then tomorrow.”

However, he also advised Fakhar to focus on his on-field performances as well as fitness rather than public giving statements.

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“Fakhar should understand that he needs to let his bat speak. Avoid unnecessary statements and prove yourself with consistent performances,” he added.

Shoaib Akhtar attributed Fakhar’s exclusion to ‘ego battles,’ but Pakistan’s white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, previously stated that there was no ‘personal bias’ influencing the decision.

“I think the whole of Pakistan knows Fakhar Zaman, and there’s nothing personal about him that makes anyone feel like he’s being treated unfairly,” said Rizwan in a video released by the PCB.

“From the conversations we’ve had among ourselves, everyone is hopeful about him because he is something different for Pakistan – he’s a character and a game-changer.”

It is important to note that Fakhar last played for Pakistan during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024 in June.

READ: Another Pakistan cricketer announces retirement after Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim

Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan has explained why explosive opening batter Fakhar Zaman was excluded from the national squad for the tour of South Africa.

The Pakistan men’s selection committee, on 4 December, announced the squads for the upcoming South Africa tour, scheduled from 10 December to 7 January. The tour comprises three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests.

However, Fakhar Zaman was once again ignored after being left out of the central contracts as well as the recent tours of Australia and Zimbabwe.

Mohammad Rizwan, in a video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), asserted that there was no ‘personal bias’ whatsoever behind Fakhar’s exclusion from the team.

Watch Pakistan vs South Africa Live on ARY ZAP

“I think the whole of Pakistan knows Fakhar Zaman, and there’s nothing personal about him that makes anyone feel like he’s being treated unfairly,” said Rizwan.

“From the conversations we’ve had among ourselves, everyone is hopeful about him because he is something different for Pakistan – he’s a character and a game-changer.”

The captain of the white-ball team further revealed that Fakhar is currently unwell and experiencing symptoms reminiscent of a viral fever.

Due to his condition, it was deemed best for him to remain in Pakistan. While he is unable to join the team, he will continue to participate in the ongoing Champions T20 Cup under the careful supervision of the medical team.

“I don’t think anyone knows that he is unwell, basically. It is not only a fitness issue, meaning it is not like he failed a fitness test. From what I personally know, he is unwell with something like a viral fever,” he added.

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“Because of this illness, he has been advised to participate in the ongoing T20 tournament in Pakistan. And, God forbid, if anything serious happens, the doctors will look after him properly.”

Rizwan also shared that the management of the PCB, along with the coaching staff and selection committee, has expressed strong support for Fakhar as he focuses on his recovery.

“I’ve had in-depth discussions with the selection committee regarding this situation,” Rizwan stated.

“The coach and PCB management have been informed to take good care of Fakhar during this time. So, there’s nothing personal against him – the whole of Pakistan knows this. Everyone is hopeful that he’ll rejoin the Pakistan team soon.”

It is important to note that Fakhar Zaman last played for Pakistan during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024 in June.

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed clears the air on retirement statement

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt subtly criticized the fitness levels of Pakistani players, comparing them to “Egyptian mummies.”

Yesterday, Aaqib Javed, the interim white-ball head coach of Pakistan, shared that top-order batter Fakhar Zaman is dealing with some fitness issues and will be back in the team once he achieves full recovery.

Salman Butt, in a recent video on his official YouTube channel, spoke about Fakhar’s injury, while also raising concerns regarding the fitness levels of Pakistan’s players.

The former captain urged Pakistan players to embrace strength training as a crucial part of their fitness regimen.

“Yes, he [Aqib Javed] talked about Fakhar Zaman. We all know about his knee injury, but I think with age, Fakhar needs to work on his strength,” said Butt. “I’m telling you, every single one of our players needs to do strength training to stay fit as they grow older.”

He further explained that merely running is not enough, while emphasizing the importance of building muscle to enhance the player’s performance in modern-day cricket.

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“Whether it’s Fakhar or any other player, the way things are going now, they need strength training. It’s as simple as that. Just running isn’t going to achieve anything,” he added.

Salman Butt expressed strong criticism regarding the excessive use of athletic tapes, comparing players to Egyptian mummies.

“I look at these players and I’m amazed—there’s [athletic] tape on their knees, tape on their legs. They look less like athletes and more like mummies from the movies, wrapped in so many tapes,” he remarked.

The former captain emphasized the significance of muscle strength and encouraged players to develop their muscles, as this will help them prevent injuries and enhance their athletic performance.

“Instead of wrapping your bones with tape, wrap them with muscle. Don’t fear gaining muscle weight—muscle is heavier than fat, but it protects your bones, and it enhances your agility, speed, power, and explosive strength,” he stated.

“If you want to enhance your career and compete at a higher level. Whether you’re 18 or 35, this is essential for every player,” he concluded.

READ: Pakistan squad reaches Zimbabwe for white-ball series

Aaqib Javed, the interim white-ball head coach of Pakistan, has discussed the potential return of top-order batter Fakhar Zaman to the national team on Wednesday.

Fakhar was excluded from the central contracts for the 2024-25 international season, as well as the squads for the tours to Australia and Zimbabwe last month.

However, Aaqib, who recently took charge as the interim head coach, heaped praise on Fakhar, calling him a match-winner.

The former pacer shared that Fakhar is dealing with some fitness issues and he will be back in the team once he achieves full recovery.

“Fakhar Zaman is a match-winner. He has been facing some fitness issues, but the selection committee will reconsider him once he regains fitness,” Aaqib stated while addressing the media in Lahore.

Remember, Fakhar expressed his disappointment through a social media post over the selection committee’s decision to drop star batter Babar Azam after the first Test against England last month.

Consequently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a show-cause notice to the left-hander over breaching the Code of Conduct.

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Aaqib Javed further shared that as interim head coach his goal is to take Pakistan cricket forward using his extensive coaching experience.

“PCB has entrusted me with additional responsibilities, and I will fulfil them to the best of my abilities,” he added. “I have been coaching for over 22 years and will use my experience with the team.”

“As a coach, I am not focusing on individual players but on improving Pakistan cricket as a whole.”

He emphasized that significant changes are needed for Pakistan’s T20I team, and for this reason, new players will be provided ample opportunities ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

“There’s still over a year left for the next T20 World Cup, so a lot of changes will be seen,” Aaqib Javed stated.

“The team selected for Zimbabwe gives a message to new players that they will be given opportunities.

“However, as of now, we are focusing more on ODI matches and the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.”

READ: Former Pakistan captain suggests Sahibzada Farhan is not ‘international material’

Pakistan’s newly appointed white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan refrained from giving his verdict on the snub of Fakhar Zaman from the white-ball squads and men’s central contracts.

Rizwan addressed the media at a local hotel in Karachi, ahead of the national team’s departure to Australia where they will play a three-match ODI and T20I series.

When asked to share his stance on the Fakhar Zaman issue, Mohammad Rizwan acknowledged the left-handed batter as an impactful player but insisted that the selection committee and management are capable of making a decision in this regard.

“There is no doubt that Fakhar Zaman is an impactful player of Pakistan’s white-ball team. Because he is capable of winning matches for the team single-handedly,” said Rizwan.

“Even in high-stakes matches, Fakhar has single-handedly put us in dominant position.

“But as far as the decision is concerned, some decisions are out of our hands. The selection committee and the management are the ones to make a decision.

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Mohammad Rizwan then went on to reveal that discussions are underway between Fakhar Zaman and management before expressing his hope that the issue would be resolved soon.

“They definitely had discussions and I hope this issue gets resolved soon,” stated Rizwan.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday, announced the central contracts for the 2024-25 international season, along with the squads for the tours to Australia and Zimbabwe.

However, Fakhar’s name was missing from the central contract list and squads for the upcoming tours.

It is worth mentioning here that the left-handed batter questioned the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to exclude Babar Azam from the squad for the last two Tests of the recently concluded England series.

READ: “Selection committee to decide Fakhar Zaman’s future,” Mohsin Naqvi

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi broke silence on the exclusion of Fakhar Zaman from Pakistan’s white-ball squads and central contracts, stating selection committee will decide the batter’s future.

In a casual interaction with the media in Karachi, the PCB chief asserted that he never intervened in the selection process while addressing the concerns regarding Fakhar’s saga.

“I don’t interfere in any player’s selection. The selection committee will decide whether Fakhar Zaman will be in the team or not,” said Naqvi.

“I never told [selection committee] to select or drop a certain player,” he added.

The PCB, on Sunday, announced the central contracts for the 2024-25 international season, along with the squads for the tours to Australia and Zimbabwe.

However, Fakhar Zaman’s name was missing from the central contract list and squads for the upcoming tours.

During a press conference in Lahore, a journalist asked the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, if Fakhar Zaman was left out due to his social media post defending Babar Azam.

In response, Naqvi acknowledged the controversy surrounding Fakhar’s social media post, which has been deemed a violation of the central contract.

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However, he emphasized that the primary factor leading to Fakhar’s exclusion was due to concerns over the batter’s fitness.

“There is the tweet issue definitely. But that doesn’t matter as much as his fitness tests. He had two issues: the fitness test and the show-cause notice, which is still pending. That is why he hasn’t been included (in the central contracts list),” Naqvi said.

“If a player is dropped by the selection committee, another player starts tweeting against it. This isn’t allowed and will not be permitted. However, the bigger issue is his fitness test.”

Remember, Fakhar Zaman expressed his disappointment through a social media post over the selection committee’s decision to drop star batter Babar Azam after the first Test against England.

Consequently, the PCB issued a show-cause notice to the left-hander over breaching the Code of Conduct.

READ: PCB chief meets Rizwan, Salman ahead of Australia tour