Photo Credit: Instagram Photo of @fakharzaman719
Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has addressed the ongoing standoff between opening batter Fakhar Zaman and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), urging both sides to resolve their differences for the benefit of Pakistan cricket.
Speaking on a state news channel, the former fast bowler expressed disappointment over Fakhar Zaman’s exclusion from the national squad, attributing the decision to “ego battles” within team management.
“Fakhar Zaman is a mature and committed player, but he’s been unfairly benched because of ego battles. Even if you don’t play him now, you will need him sooner or later — if not today, then tomorrow,” said Shoaib Akhtar.
Akhtar also advised Fakhar to focus on his performance rather than making public statements. “Fakhar needs to understand that he should let his bat do the talking. Instead of making statements, he needs to focus on performing well when given the opportunity,” he added.
Fakhar Zaman, 34, was left out of Pakistan’s white-ball squads for the ongoing series against South Africa. Interim head coach Aqib Javed cited Zaman’s fitness and lack of match form as reasons for his exclusion. However, Fakhar, who has been participating in the ongoing Champions T20 Cup, refuted these claims, asserting his readiness.
“I’m fit, and that’s why I’m playing. If given a chance, I’ll play and aim to perform well. My goal is to help Pakistan win, just like I did during the Champions Trophy,” Fakhar stated.
Shoaib Akhtar’s remarks highlight growing concerns over internal team conflicts and their effect on Pakistan’s cricket performance. Known for advocating players’ rights, Akhtar believes resolving such issues is critical for the team’s success.
Previously, Pakistan’s white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan addressed Fakhar Zaman’s omission in a PCB-released video, denying any personal bias behind the decision.
“I think the whole of Pakistan knows Fakhar Zaman, and there’s nothing personal about him that makes anyone feel like he’s being treated unfairly. From the conversations we’ve had among ourselves, everyone is hopeful about him because he is something different for Pakistan – he’s a character and a game-changer,” said Rizwan.
He also clarified that Fakhar’s exclusion was not solely due to fitness concerns.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
