Pakistan’s opening batsman Fakhar Zaman The Pakistan Cricket Board bravely responded (PCB) show-cause notice issued following public criticism of Babar Azam’s removal from the Test squad for the second and final Test of the ongoing home series against England.
After the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) controversial decision to drop Babar Azam Fakhar Zaman felt compelled to express his support for the former Pakistan captain after a crushing defeat to England in Multan in the first Test alongside Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah.
Fakhar Zaman responds to PCB’s show cause notice after criticizing Babar Azam’s drop
Besides, Zaman said Babar is one of the best batsmen in the world and deserves a fair chance to regain his form. Pakistan cricket team due to the lean patch.
He later said that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) supported it Virat Kohli Babar had to be supported by the PCB during his struggles while stressing the importance of supporting key players in tough times.
Zaman even noted Virat Kohli’s average as he went through a difficult phase of his career to target the PCB as he dropped Babar from the Test squad. He had urged the national selection committee and the PCB to focus on protecting key players instead of injuring them.
There is still time not to press the panic button: Fakhar Zaman
On October 13, Fakhar Zaman X wrote on the social media platform: “I am disturbed to hear the suggestions for the removal of Babar Azam. India did not reserve Virat Kohli, who averaged 19.33, 28.21 and 26.50 between 2020 and 2023, during his rough trial.
It is disturbing to hear suggestions of Babar Azam’s ouster. India did not reserve Virat Kohli, who averaged 19.33, 28.21 and 26.50 between 2020 and 2023, during his rough trial. If we are thinking of leaving out our top batsman who is the best batsman in Pakistan…
— Fakhar Zaman (@FakharZamanLive) October 13, 2024
The ongoing controversy highlights the growing tension in Pakistan cricket as the team goes through a tough series against England. Timing’s comments could spark further debate about player management and expectations of cricketers amid intense scrutiny.
PCB is our institution and we will continue to respect it: Fakhar Zaman
Meanwhile, responding to PCB’s show cause notice, Fakhar Zaman emphasized his respect for PCB and clarified that his comments were out of concern for a friend and teammate. He acknowledged that Babar Azam is one of the best batsmen in the world, so he felt it was important to show his support in tough times.
Fakhar reiterated that Azam deserves an opportunity to prove himself, especially given the support provided by the PCB’s central contract. The 34-year-old also reaffirmed his loyalty and respect for the PCB.
Zaman’s official statement to the PCB was quoted by propakistani.pk as saying, “Babar Azam is one of the best in the world and so I felt compelled to give my opinion. As a cricketer, I believe Babar deserves a chance to overcome the rough patch as supported by his central contract with the PCB. PCB is our institution and we will continue to respect it.”
