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Fakhar Zaman Set To Consider Pakistan Retirement After Australia Tour Snub

Fakhar Zaman likely to retire (Source:@CallMeSheri1/x.com)Fakhar Zaman likely to retire (Source:@CallMeSheri1/x.com)

In a significant development for Pakistan cricket, seasoned opener Fakhar Zaman is reportedly contemplating retirement after being excluded from the latest central contracts and Pakistan’s white-ball squads for upcoming tours against Australia and Zimbabwe. According to the reports of Cricket Pakistan, sources close to the cricketer stated that his exclusion from the contract had affected his morale, and he is upset with the inconsistent behaviour of PCB towards him. 

The source further stated that Fakhar Zaman is not happy with the selection criteria, along with frustration over recent fitness evaluations and perceived double standards by the board. 

Fakhar Zaman Likely To Retire Amid Exclusion From Latest Central Contracts

In the same reports, it is mentioned that Fakhar Zaman was asked to undergo a fitness test scheduled for January 2025. In the test, PCB's focused on 2-kilometer run time of under eight minutes. The player due to knee injury was unable to complete the run within the specified time. This failure in test could be one of the reason that his place is not secured and he has been excluded from the team. 

Sources close to the player revealed his disappointment, especially given reports that other players who failed to meet similar fitness requirements were granted contracts and included in squads.

In the same reports it was further mentioned that, Usman Khan reportedly stopped during the third lap of his fitness test yet was still awarded a contract and included in the squads for the Australia and Zimbabwe series. This disparity has agitated Fakhar and he is likely thinking about his retirement.  

Some other reason beyond fitness evaluations is that, despite Naseem Shah taking fewer wickets than Haris Rauf, the PCB awarded him B category contract. On the other hand, Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker across all formats since July 2023, was demoted from the A category to B. 

Adding to the controversy, Babar Azam, despite an extended run of subpar form, retained his place in the A category. Fakhar’s exclusion, despite his support for Babar Azam in a public tweet earlier this year, has also led to speculation that his stance during the recent connection camp may have influenced the PCB’s decision.