Fakhar Zaman retirement
KARACHI: In what appears to be a disappointing turn of events Pakistan’s opener Fakhar Zaman is reportedly considering retirement after being left out of the recent central contracts and white-ball squads for Australia and Zimbabwe.
In a concerning development for Pakistani cricket, opener Fakhar Zaman is contemplating retirement following his omission from the recent central contracts and white-ball squads for the upcoming tours to Australia and Zimbabwe. This decision appears to stem from a combination of personal frustration and perceived inequities in the selection process.
Fakhar’s situation highlights deeper issues within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding player treatment and fitness standards. Reports indicate that Fakhar’s morale has been significantly impacted by how selectors have handled his case. After struggling with a knee issue that hindered his performance during a recent fitness test, Fakhar was unable to complete the 2-kilometer run within the stipulated 8 minutes. In a surprising twist, however, Usman Khan, who reportedly stopped running during his own test, was granted a central contract and included in the squads for Australia and Zimbabwe. This incident has raised eyebrows and led to accusations of double standards in the PCB’s selection criteria.
The exclusion of Fakhar Zaman from the list of centrally contracted players is particularly notable given that he had been classified in the B category just the previous year. Sources suggest that his outspoken support for Babar Azam, both in the camp and through social media, may have influenced his current standing. Although Fakhar has not officially announced his retirement, the advice from close friends to refrain from making any hasty decisions underscores the emotional turmoil he is experiencing. They remind him of his talent and capability to contribute to the national team for several more years.
The discrepancies in how players are treated do not end with Fakhar’s case. Imam-ul-Haq, for example, narrowly missed the fitness target by completing the run in 8 minutes and 11 seconds, which led to his exclusion from the contracts. In contrast, Kamran Ghulam, who finished in 8 minutes and 22 seconds, still secured a contract. Such inconsistencies raise serious questions about the selection criteria and the fairness of the process.
Moreover, there are further complexities regarding contract allocations among bowlers. Naseem Shah, who recorded fewer wickets than Haris Rauf during the same period, still received a B category contract, while Shaheen Afridi, despite being Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker across formats since July 2023, was inexplicably demoted from the A category to B. This puzzling move has left fans and analysts questioning the PCB’s decision-making processes, especially given the high expectations surrounding Shaheen.
Babar Azam’s situation adds another layer of intrigue. Despite a protracted period of below-par performances, he remains in the higher echelon of contracts. His position as captain and his standing as one of the team’s premier players seemingly afford him a level of protection that is not afforded to others, such as Fakhar and Imam. This raises broader concerns about the PCB’s commitment to meritocracy and the need for a transparent selection process that rewards performance and fitness consistently.
The ongoing turmoil within the PCB is symptomatic of larger issues in Pakistani cricket. The perception of favoritism and inconsistent standards can undermine team morale and player commitment. As players grapple with their futures and the unpredictability of selection, the need for a clear, equitable, and transparent framework becomes more pressing.
For Fakhar Zaman, the decision about his future in cricket is particularly poignant. A player who once inspired with his explosive batting and pivotal innings in crucial matches now finds himself at a crossroads. As he weighs his options, the cricketing community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that not only supports him but also addresses the underlying issues within Pakistan cricket. The time has come for the PCB to reflect on its policies and practices to ensure that all players are given a fair opportunity to shine, free from the shadows of favoritism and inconsistency.