Mohammad Amir has expressed his astonishment at Fakhar Zaman's exclusion from Pakistan's white-ball squads for the upcoming tours of Australia and Zimbabwe, emphasizing that Fakhar is the "only impact player" the country has in limited-overs cricket. This statement highlights Amir's belief in Fakhar's unique ability to change the game's dynamics, especially in crucial matches.
Fakhar Zaman's omission comes as a significant surprise to many, not only because he was excluded from the ODI and T20I series but also because he was dropped from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) central contract for the 2024-25 cycle. This marks the first time in eight years that the senior batter has missed out on a central contract, raising eyebrows within the cricketing community.
On October 27, the PCB announced the white-ball squads along with its latest list of centrally contracted players, sparking widespread discussions about several notable exclusions. Amir, who himself faced a setback after reversing his retirement earlier this year, took to social media platform X to share his thoughts. He wrote, "I am surprised that @FakharZamanLive is not in the team. He is the only impact player we have in white-ball cricket." This comment reflects Amir's recognition of Fakhar's past contributions to the team, particularly his ability to score quickly and turn matches around.
In a press conference held in Lahore, PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi addressed the media, explaining that Fakhar's fitness was the primary reason for his exclusion from the central contract. He further elaborated that a pending show-cause notice was also a factor in the decision. "The tweet questioning the selectors' decision did not help matters," Naqvi remarked, emphasizing that while Fakhar's contributions to the team were appreciated, public comments regarding selection decisions were inappropriate. He stated, "He needs to prove his fitness. His viewpoint was appreciated during the Connection Camp, but you cannot publicly comment on the selection committee's decisions."
The relationship between Fakhar and the PCB appears to have deteriorated, with reports suggesting ongoing concerns about his fitness. Amir's comments resonate with fans who believe that Fakhar's exclusion could have far-reaching implications for the team’s performance, especially given his track record in limited-overs cricket.
Earlier in the season, Fakhar Zaman also expressed his disbelief at discussions surrounding the potential dropping of Babar Azam, Pakistan's premier batter. Drawing a parallel to India's support for Virat Kohli during his struggles, he stated, "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." Fakhar cautioned against sidelining a player of Babar's caliber, warning that such actions could send a deeply negative message throughout the team. He urged the management to focus on nurturing and safeguarding their key players instead of undermining them during challenging times.
As Pakistan gears up for its upcoming series, the exclusion of Fakhar Zaman and the ongoing discussions about player fitness and selection raise important questions about the team's strategy and unity. The cricketing community watches closely to see how these decisions will impact Pakistan's performance on the international stage.
