Photo Credit: Instagram Photos of @fakharzaman719, @imamulhaqofficial
In a notable update, reports suggest that Pakistan plans to include Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq in the squad for the upcoming white-ball tour against South Africa.
According to reports, the PCB will make these additions from the current squad that is competing against Australia. Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq are expected to rejoin the national setup.
Currently, Pakistan is playing a multi-format white-ball series in Australia before heading to Zimbabwe. The PCB has already announced the squads for both series, and Fakhar and Imam are not included in those lineups.
Pakistan will face South Africa in a three-match T20I series starting on December 10, followed by a three-match ODI series commencing on December 17.
Fakhar Zaman, previously one of Pakistan’s top ODI performers and a potential white-ball captain, fell into controversy after posting a tweet criticizing the PCB and comparing it to the BCCI in support of Babar Azam. Zaman’s public disapproval of the PCB’s decision to drop Babar from the Test squad against England led to backlash from the Mohsin Naqvi-led board. He was served a show-cause notice and removed from the central contract, but his subsequent apology was reportedly accepted, paving the way for his possible return.
Imam-ul-Haq last played an ODI in October 2023 and has since been out of consideration. Reports suggest his exclusion was linked to allegations of leaking sensitive team information to the media.
Meanwhile, the Mohammad Rizwan-led Pakistan team faced a narrow two-wicket defeat in the first ODI at the MCG.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Stay ahead of the latest cricket industry trends by subscribing to our free cricexec “daily briefing” newsletter.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
