Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has voiced his concerns over the ongoing standoff between opening batter Fakhar Zaman and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), urging both sides to prioritize the nation’s cricketing interests.
Speaking on a state news channel, Akhtar expressed disappointment over Fakhar’s exclusion from the national squad, attributing it to “ego battles” within the 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,” Akhtar remarked.
He further advised Fakhar Zaman to focus on his performance rather than making public statements about his exclusion. “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,” added the former pacer.
Fakhar Zaman, 34, has not been included in Pakistan’s white-ball squads for the ongoing series against South Africa. Interim head coach Aqib Javed cited fitness concerns and a lack of match form as reasons for his omission.
In response, Fakhar, who has been actively participating in the Champions T20 Cup, declared himself fit and ready to contribute to the team. “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 said.
The controversy has drawn attention to internal team dynamics, with Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s white-ball captain, also weighing in on the matter. In a video released by the PCB, Rizwan dismissed claims of personal bias in Fakhar’s exclusion.
“Fakhar Zaman is known and respected by everyone in Pakistan cricket. There’s nothing personal about his omission. From our discussions, everyone is hopeful about him because he’s a game-changer,” Rizwan explained.
He also hinted that Fakhar’s exclusion was not solely due to fitness concerns, further fueling speculation about internal conflicts.
Shoaib Akhtar’s comments highlight growing concerns about internal discord and its impact on Pakistan cricket. The former pacer emphasized that resolving such issues is crucial for the team’s success and the greater good of Pakistan cricket.
