Pakistan’s opener Fakhar Zaman is reportedly not happy with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after being left out of the recent central contracts and white-ball squads for Australia and Zimbabwe.
Fakhar has started consulting with his close ones about a possible retirement from international cricket. However, no final decision has been made.
His close friends have advised him to avoid making an emotional decision, reminding him of his ability to continue representing Pakistan for years to come.
The cricketer was recently asked to undergo another fitness test scheduled for January 2025, but questions are arising over perceived double standards in the selection process.
Why was Fakhar Zaman not given contract?
Fakhar Zaman was reportedly unable to complete the 2-kilometer run in the required 8 minutes due to a knee issue. On another hand, Usman Khan, received a contract and a place on the Australia and Zimbabwe tours despite stopping in the third lap of his fitness test.
Naseem Shah was awarded a B category contract, and Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker across formats since July 2023, was demoted from the A category to B. On the other hand, Babar Azam, despite his extended run of below-par form, remains in the A category.
Pakistan’s white-ball format head coach Gary Kirsten resigned, citing a rift with PCB on the selection process and central contracts.
