Reports: Fakhar Zaman Likely to Be Dropped from Pakistan’s White-Ball Tour to Australia

In a surprising turn, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee, headed by Aaqib Javed, is reportedly set to leave out Fakhar Zaman from the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia in November. Despite being Pakistan’s standout batter in last year’s World Cup, Fakhar’s omission appears to stem from fitness concerns and internal tensions. Fitness Test…


Reports: Fakhar Zaman Likely to Be Dropped from Pakistan's White-Ball Tour to Australia

In a surprising turn, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee, headed by Aaqib Javed, is reportedly set to leave out Fakhar Zaman from the upcoming white-ball tour of Australia in November. Despite being Pakistan’s standout batter in last year’s World Cup, Fakhar’s omission appears to stem from fitness concerns and internal tensions.

Fitness Test Failure and Knee Issues

According to sources close to Pakistan Cricket, Fakhar Zaman failed to pass a fitness test that required completing a two-kilometre run in under eight minutes. The opener, who has been battling a knee injury, was unable to meet the challenge after returning from a tour of the West Indies. While he remains fit to participate in domestic cricket, concerns have been raised that pushing him further could aggravate his injury.

Fakhar couldn’t complete the fitness test due to his knee issues, and though he’s able to play, adding more strain could cause serious damage,

the source revealed to News18 CricketNext.


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Internal Discontent and Candid Remarks

In addition to fitness concerns, it appears Fakhar’s outspoken comments during a recent camp may have also played a role in his exclusion. His remarks regarding his No Objection Certificate (NOC) reportedly displeased senior officials within the PCB, further complicating his chances of selection. Fakhar’s social media activity, particularly a tweet about the exclusion of former captain Babar Azam, is also said to have caused friction.

Although Aaqib Javed has reportedly relaxed fitness standards for team selection, Fakhar’s candid statements seem to have put him out of favor with certain board members, though the chairman is not among them.

Uncertain Future in the 50-Over Squad

Fakhar Zaman, once tipped to succeed Babar Azam as Pakistan’s 50-over captain, now finds his place in the squad far from secure. With Pakistan yet to announce a captain for the ODI format following the World Cup, speculation is rife that a fresh face will be chosen to lead the team during the tour of Australia.

As Pakistan look ahead to their next major assignment, it seems Fakhar Zaman’s future with the national side hangs in the balance, with both fitness and internal politics playing key roles in his potential exclusion.