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Fakhar Zaman Responds To PCB’s Show-Cause Notice, Reaffirms Support For Babar Azam

Sakshi Sharma

Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam (Source: @CricWick/x.com) Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam (Source: @CricWick/x.com)

In a significant development, Fakhar Zaman has formally responded to the show-cause notice issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following his public comments in support of Babar Azam. His remarks came after former captain was controversially dropped from the squad for the second and third Test match against England.

The situation unfolded when Fakhar Zaman took to social media platform to vent his frustration over the selection decisions, and criticize the exclusion of Babar Azam, as well as  Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. 

In a bold move, he compared Babar Azam to Indian legend Virat Kohli, and suggested that the Pakistan star deserved the same level of support that the BCCI has shown to Kohli during his difficult phases.  

His public outburst did not go unnoticed, with the PCB swiftly issuing a show-cause notice, citing a violation of the board’s code of conduct for making unauthorized public comments. The controversy has now put a cloud over Zaman’s inclusion in the Pakistan squad for the upcoming white-ball tour to Australia, where a new captain is also expected to be named following Babar’s resignation as ODI and T20I skipper earlier this year.

Fakhar Zaman Supports Babar Azam Despite Earlier Controversy 

According to the reports of Cricket Pakistan, in his response to the PCB, Fakhar Zaman stood by his initial comments, and expressed that he felt compelled to speak out in support of Babar Azam, who he described as 'one of the best batters in the world.' However, Zaman did soften his stance on the board, and acknowledge its authority and clarified that his intention was not to disrespect the PCB but rather to highlight the importance of backing players during challenging times.

“Babar Azam is one of the best batters in the world, and that’s why I felt compelled to express my opinion. I believe Babar deserved more chances during tough times. Reflecting on the PCB’s central contract as a fellow player, I respect the institution and did not mean to undermine its decisions." Zaman said. 

The Pakistan selection committee’s decision to drop Babar Azam for the Test series against England marked a significant shift, especially given his status as one of the team’s most high-profile players. 

His omission came after a difficult period for Pakistan cricket, particularly following the national team’s disappointing campaigns in both the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup and the T20 World Cup, where Babar’s leadership came under scrutiny.