Pakistan’s white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, recently clarified that Fakhar Zaman’s exclusion from the national team for the upcoming South Africa tour was due to health concerns, not personal bias.
In a video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Rizwan addressed rumours about Zaman’s absence, stating that the decision was linked to Zaman’s health, specifically a viral fever and not a fitness test failure.
“Fakhar has been unwell with a viral fever, which has impacted his readiness for the squad,” Rizwan explained. He expressed optimism about Zaman’s quick recovery and returned to the team.
Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman, currently active in the Champions T20 Cup with the Markhors, countered speculations about his fitness. “I’m fit, and that’s evident since I’m playing here. I’m ready to play whenever needed,” he asserted.
Despite his current participation, Zaman was not selected for Pakistan’s recent tours in Australia and Zimbabwe. He was also dropped from the PCB’s central contracts for the first time in eight years.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi pointed out that Zaman’s exclusion was primarily due to failing the fitness test. Additionally, Zaman’s controversial social media comments criticizing the selection committee’s decision regarding Babar Azam factored into the considerations. Naqvi highlighted, “His tweet was problematic, but the main issue was his fitness test result.”
Zaman is also responding to a show-cause notice, but the primary concern remains his fitness status.
