Fakhar Zaman Breaks Silence on Babar Azam Controversy and Contract Snub
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- December 25, 2024
- 11:26 am
- 30
- Sports
The Fakhar Zaman controversy has taken the cricketing world by storm, as the Pakistan batter recently broke his silence on a series of events that led to his exclusion from the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) central contracts. The drama stems from a tweet supporting former captain Babar Azam and alleged fitness concerns. Here’s a breakdown of the incident and Fakhar’s response.
The Controversial Tweet and Its Aftermath
During Pakistan’s home Test series against England, Fakhar Zaman posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, expressing disappointment over the rumored exclusion of Babar Azam after a string of poor performances. In his tweet, Fakhar defended Babar, highlighting his contributions to the team and comparing his challenges to those faced by Indian cricketer Virat Kohli.
This tweet stirred controversy, as it came before the PCB had made any official announcements about Babar’s status. While some fans and former players praised Fakhar’s honesty, others criticized him for commenting on selection matters as a centrally contracted player.
The PCB issued a show-cause notice to Fakhar Zaman, citing his post as inappropriate. Shortly after, he was left out of the PCB’s central contract list for the 2024–25 season.
Fakhar Zaman’s Clarification
In an interview with a private media outlet, Fakhar clarified his stance, emphasizing that his tweet was not intended to criticize the PCB but rather to address media speculation about Babar Azam.
I thought about it later and felt that I should not have tweeted. But people got the tweet completely wrong. They thought that I was criticizing the decision of the board, but this is 100 per cent wrong. If you see the timing of the tweet, it was done before the board made its decision. I saw in the news for 2-3 days that journalists and former players were criticizing him (Babar Azam). And I thought to myself, Babar has done so much for the team, but they still wanted him to be dropped.
He further admitted that, in hindsight, it would have been better to stay silent, as his intentions were misinterpreted.
PCB’s Official Stance
PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi addressed the situation, confirming that Fakhar’s tweet was a contributing factor to his removal from the central contract. However, Naqvi highlighted fitness issues as the primary reason behind the decision.
Tweet was one issue, but the bigger matter was that of 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.
The Role of Fitness and Health
Fakhar Zaman revealed another significant factor that influenced his exclusion: his battle with Hyperthyroidism. In the interview, he shared that he had requested a two-month rest due to health concerns.
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. 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.
Reactions from Fans and Experts
The cricketing community remains divided over the incident. While some commend Fakhar Zaman for standing by Babar Azam, others argue that his actions were unprofessional and could set a poor precedent for players commenting on selection matters.
What Lies Ahead for Fakhar Zaman?
As the PCB moves forward with a new crop of players, Fakhar Zaman faces an uphill battle to regain his place in the national team. His fitness recovery and ability to navigate PCB’s expectations will play a crucial role in determining his future in international cricket.
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