Fakhar Zaman, a key player in Pakistan cricket, has recently faced a significant setback as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to drop him from its centrally contracted players list ahead of the upcoming Australian tour. This decision has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the implications of his fitness issues, recent social media activity, and the overall treatment of players by the PCB.

The controversial tweet from Fakhar Zaman

Zaman’s exclusion is partly attributed to a tweet he posted in defence of Babar Azam, who was controversially omitted from the Test squad. In his tweet, Zaman compared Babar’s form to that of Virat Kohli during a rough patch, suggesting that dropping a player of Babar’s calibre could send a negative message to the team. This public defence did not sit well with PCB officials, leading to Zaman receiving a show-cause notice for his comments, which many believe influenced his exclusion from the contract list.

It’s concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam. India didn’t bench Virat Kohli during his rough stretch between 2020 and 2023, when he averaged 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, respectively. If we are considering sidelining our premier batsman, arguably the best Pakistan…

— Fakhar Zaman (@FakharZamanLive) October 13, 2024

Fitness concerns cause an issue to Zaman’s selection

Another significant factor in Zaman’s omission is his fitness. Reports indicate that he struggled to complete a recent fitness test due to a knee issue, failing to finish a 2-kilometer run within the required time. This has raised questions about perceived double standards in the PCB’s fitness evaluations, especially when other players with similar or worse performances were retained or promoted. For instance, Usman Khan received a contract despite not completing his fitness test. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that while Zaman’s tweet was problematic, his fitness was the “bigger issue” leading to his exclusion from both the central contracts and the upcoming tours.

Also READ: Pakistan Cricket Board announces central contracts for 2024-25; Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq misses out

PCB’s strategic shift

The PCB’s decision to drop Zaman appears to be part of a broader strategy aimed at reshaping the team dynamics and promoting younger talent. Alongside Zaman, notable players like Shaheen Afridi have also faced demotions in their contract categories. The PCB has introduced new contracts for emerging players, indicating a shift towards nurturing fresh talent while sidelining those who openly criticize the board’s decisions. This approach may reflect an intent to foster loyalty among players and create a more unified team environment.

“Tweet was one issue, but the bigger matter was fitness. There is a show-cause notice pending against him, and we will see about that. He would need to prove his fitness; his point of view was valued in the Connection Camp, and I am very thankful to him for that, but you cannot go around commenting on the selection committee over selection calls. But ya, the bigger issue is of selection,” Naqvi stated in the press conference.

The PCB’s decision to exclude Zaman serves as a pivotal moment in Pakistan cricket, highlighting ongoing tensions between player expression and administrative decisions. As fans and analysts closely monitor how this situation unfolds, it remains uncertain whether Zaman will be recalled for future series or if he will indeed step away from the sport altogether. The board may need to reconsider its approach if it hopes to maintain both player morale and public support moving forward.

Also READ: 3 potential contenders to succeed Gary Kirsten as Pakistan’s next white-ball coach

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