Why Fakhar Zaman Was Dropped From The Pakistan Team? Star Batter Reveals

Fakhar Zaman speaks on his exclusion [Source: @iShivani_Shukla/X.Com]

Fakhar Zaman, the comeback man of Pakistan opened up about his omission from the team in a recent podcast with former cricketer, Salman Butt. Fakhar, the star batter talked about his health struggled and how a serious illness derailed his international career. There were speculations that he was dropped form the team due to a serious injury, however, the batter quashed the rumours.

Fakhar Zaman stated that he was not injured, but suffered from an illness called -  hyperthyroidism which led to him losing nearly 10 kgs of weight and weakness of muscles.

Fakhar explains his omission from the team

"Anyone can fall sick. I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, which led to a weight loss of 10 kg and weakened my muscles," he stated.

Fakhar further added: "This was the only reason I was out of the team—there was nothing else. I am fully fit now, but the first four to five matches in domestic cricket were tough, and I felt as if I had forgotten how to play."

A few months back, when Babar Azam was dropped from the Test team, Fakhar tweeted in his support, which didn't go well with the PCB as the chairman himself condemned the actions. Many believed that this was the main reason from his exclusion from the side.

Fakhar sheds light on his new opening partner

Fakhar in the interview revealed that Babar Azam is set to open alongside him in the tri-nation tournament. With no Saim Ayub in the team, Pakistan didn't pick a second opener and urged Babar Azam to bat at the top, a decision which he accepted.

Babar has only opened thrice in ODIs, however, he does have the experience of playing at the top in T20Is, and will compliment Fakhar as both the batters have different skillsets.

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