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PCB Displeased With Fakhar Zaman Over Comments On Babar Azam’s Exclusion

Fakhar Zaman's post for Babar Azam [Source: @FakharZamanLive/X.com]Fakhar Zaman's post for Babar Azam [Source: @FakharZamanLive/X.com]

On October 13, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced its squad for the second and third Test matches against England. In a surprising move, the PCB decided to rest star players Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Sarfaraz Ahmed. This decision raised eyebrows, especially as it came after Pakistan's crushing defeat in the first Test against England. 

Amid the selection controversy, Pakistan’s top-order batter Fakhar Zaman publicly expressed his disappointment. He questioned the exclusion of a key player like Babar Azam, comparing it to how India stood by their former captain Virat Kohli during his lean patch from 2020 to 2022.  

Fakhar’s comments didn’t sit well with the PCB. According to the reports, a board insider revealed that Fakhar’s remarks were seen as an unnecessary interference in the selection process. The controversy deepened when it was reported that former captain and new selector Azhar Ali held an in-depth conversation with Babar Azam before the squad decision was finalized.  

"Azhar made it clear to Babar that he remained an integral part of Pakistan cricket’s future set-up and planning,” the source added.

Selector Aaqib Javed further explained that the decision to rest Babar and others was based on their current form and the need to manage a hectic international schedule. With several senior players rested, PCB introduced fresh faces into the team. New inclusions like Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam (all uncapped) will aim to fill the void. Fast bowler Mohammad Ali and spinner Sajid Khan also made their way into the squad, along with Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were initially excluded but later recalled.  

Babar Azam’s Poor Form In Tests

Babar Azam’s recent struggles in Test cricket have been a concern. Since 2023, the star batter has scored only 366 runs at an average of 20.33, with his highest score being 41. In Pakistan’s defeat in the first Test against England, Babar managed just 30 and 5 runs across two innings.  

The second Test, starting on October 15, presents Pakistan with a crucial opportunity to bounce back. With young talent stepping in, the team will hope to reverse their fortunes and keep the series alive.