New Delhi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly not happy with opening batter Fakhar Zaman over his controversial tweet on Babar Azam. Fakhar had slammed PCB on Sunday after the Pakistan senior selection panel dropped former captain Babar from the Test squad for their remaining two Tests against England in the ongoing three-match series between the two teams.
Pakistan selectors made some big changes in their squad for the final two Test matches against England as Babar was dropped along with the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, leaving many surprised in the Pakistan cricket fraternity. The decision to drop the big names came after Pakistan’s dismal defeat in the series opener in Multan.
Fakhar was among the prominent names who questioned the selectors’ decision to drop Babar from the squad for the 2nd and 3rd Test against England in Multan and Rawalpindi. The opening batter cited Virat Kohli’s example while slamming the selectors and stated that the decision to drop Babar would send a negative message to the players in the current Pakistan team.
“It’s concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam. India didn’t bench Virat Kohli during his rough stretch between 2020 and 2023, when he averaged 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, respectively. If we are considering sidelining our premier batsman, arguably the best Pakistan has ever produced, it could send a deeply negative message across the team,” Fakhar wrote in a tweet.
It’s concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam. India didn’t bench Virat Kohli during his rough stretch between 2020 and 2023, when he averaged 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, respectively. If we are considering sidelining our premier batsman, arguably the best Pakistan…
— Fakhar Zaman (@FakharZamanLive) October 13, 2024
PCB not pleased with Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar’s tweet for Babar targeting the board and the selectors has not gone down well with PCB. As per a report in news agency PTI, sources revealed the Pakistan Cricket Board is not happy with the opening batter and the concerned officials are having a word with him regarding the controversial tweet.
“The top board officials are not pleased with the tweet sent out by Fakhar and relevant persons are having a word with him about it,” a well-informed PCB source was quoted as saying by PTI.
In a statement, the PCB said Babar was ‘rested’ from the remaining two Tests keeping his current form and the team’s chances of bouncing back against England in mind. The source revealed former Pakistan Test captain Azhar Ali, who was recently inducted in the selection panel with retired umpire Aleem Dar and former pacer Aaqib Javed, spoke in length with Babar and assured him that he remains an integral part of the Test setup.
“Azhar made it clear to Babar that he remained an integral part of Pakistan cricket’s future set-up and planning,” the source added.
Pakistan will lock horns with England in the 2nd Test against England in Multan starting Tuesday, October 15. Pakistan are reportedly planning to use the same pitch which was used in the series opener which witnessed an epic run-fest at the venue.
Pakistan Cricket Board is reportedly not happy with batter Fakhar Zaman’s controversial tweet on Babar Azam. Fakhar had slammed PCB in his tweet for dropping Babar from the Test squad for the remaining two Tests against England. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
