Pakistan’s early exit ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 sparked yet another controversy within the country’s cricket establishment. Big players, incl Babar Azam and Fakhar ZamanAfter the Pakistani voter was investigated Aaqib Javed During the tournament, the players were asked whether there were injuries or not, without proper disclosure.
Pakistan’s campaign ended in disappointment after failing to make it beyond the Super 8 stage, continuing a worrying trend of poor performances in recent ICC tournaments. With increasing criticism of team selection and player performance, new questions have arisen about fitness management within the team.
Aaqib Javed seeks clarity on players’ fitness
Speaking at the press conference, Javed expressed concern about the fitness of several players during the game T20 World Cup. The former Pakistan fast bowler said that after his return from the tournament, it was revealed that Babar has now suffered an injury which has prevented him from participating in domestic competitions.
Javed said the selectors were unaware of the injury problems during the World Cup and now they are demanding it Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to investigate the matter. According to him, it is worrying that players like Babar and Fakhar are ineligible for such an important tournament when they are still part of the national team.
He emphasized that the team management, including the head coach and medical staff, are responsible for monitoring the players’ training during international events. Javed questioned why the selectors were not informed earlier if the key players were physically struggling during the competition.
“Babar Azam is not fit to play. Fakhar Zaman is not fit to play. Salman Mirza is not fit to play. We are asking the PCB to inquire. How can it be that both Fakhar and Babar were unfit? We have come to know about their injuries after the World Cup. So, does that mean their fitness was not fully monitored during the T20 World Cup? The selectors should be aware of this, but when the players go to the World Cup, the health issues and injuries are happening.” “The coach and the physio should have informed us.” Javed said at the presser.
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Javed explains the reason behind Babar’s absence in Bangladesh serials
After Pakistan returned from the tournament, medical staff examined Babar and confirmed that the injury would rule him out of the upcoming domestic matches, including the ongoing National T20 Championship and Pakistan’s series against Bangladesh.
According to Javed, the star-prone player was eager to play but was advised against it due to injury. The announcement fueled the debate surrounding Pakistan’s preparation and player management during the World Cup. The situation has raised concerns about whether the injured players are at risk during the global event, potentially affecting their performance and Pakistan’s overall campaign.
“When he came back from Sri Lanka, our doctors examined him (Babar Azam). The injury is preventing him from playing in this series (against Bangladesh) and the National T20. He wanted to play but the injury is not allowing him.” Javid added.
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