The world of cricket is buzzing with rumors as Pakistan’s star opener, Fakhar Zaman, is reportedly considering retirement after being left out of the central contracts and white-ball squads for both the Australia and Zimbabwe series. This unexpected omission has raised eyebrows in the cricketing community and has left fans and analysts speculating on what led to this sudden turn of events for one of Pakistan’s most prominent players.
According to sources close to Fakhar, the cricketer’s morale has been deeply affected by the way his case has been handled by the selectors. It is believed that Fakhar feels he has been treated unfairly, particularly when it comes to what he perceives as inconsistent standards in the fitness evaluations. Fakhar has been a vital part of Pakistan’s cricket setup for several years, but his recent exclusion from the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) list of centrally contracted players has raised questions about the criteria used for selection. His exclusion becomes even more puzzling when you consider that he was part of the B category contract list just last year.
Exclusion from the central contract
Fakhar’s exclusion from the central contracts has not only caused a stir among his supporters but has also led to whispers within the cricketing circles. Some insiders suggest that this could be linked to his outspoken stance on certain issues, particularly his vocal support for Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain, whom Fakhar has backed on multiple occasions, including in public through social media. Fakhar’s candid opinions and his support for Babar’s leadership might not have sat well with the selectors, leading to speculation that this could have played a role in his exclusion.
FItness Test Issues
Adding to the frustration, Fakhar was recently asked to undergo another fitness test, which is scheduled for January 2025. However, many in the cricketing fraternity, including Fakhar himself, believe that this is just another example of the double standards present within the selection process. Fakhar’s camp has raised concerns about why certain players are seemingly held to different standards.
For instance, while Fakhar struggled to complete the 2-kilometer run within the required 8 minutes due to a persistent knee issue, another player, Usman Khan, who failed to finish his own fitness test, was still awarded a contract and given a place in the squads for the Australia and Zimbabwe tours. This perceived inconsistency has only deepened the frustration for Fakhar, who has long prided himself on his dedication to fitness and his performances on the field.
But Fakhar’s issues with the selection process don’t stop there. The PCB’s recent announcement of centrally contracted players has caused quite a stir, as several players have been demoted or excluded altogether based on unclear criteria. Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker across formats since July 2023, was demoted from the A category to the B category, despite his stellar performances, while Babar Azam, despite his extended period of below-par form, retained his place in the A category.
These decisions have raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the selection process and have led to further speculation about what really goes on behind closed doors at the PCB.
PCB Unfair Policy
Fakhar’s situation, in particular, has highlighted the inconsistencies that many believe plague the current selection process. In another instance, Imam-ul-Haq, who completed his fitness run in 8 minutes and 11 seconds—just 11 seconds over the required time—was excluded from the central contracts, while Kamran Ghulam, who finished the run in 8 minutes and 22 seconds, was still awarded a contract. This kind of discrepancy has led to growing unrest among players, fans, and even some insiders within the cricketing circles.
While Fakhar has not yet made a final decision about his future, there are growing concerns that he may choose to step away from the game altogether. Close friends and confidants have reportedly advised him against making an emotional decision in the heat of the moment. They remind him that, despite his current frustrations, he still has the ability to represent Pakistan for many more years. Fakhar has proven time and again that he is a valuable asset to the national team, and many believe that he still has a lot to offer, both as a player and as a leader.
However, with these ongoing discrepancies and the emotional toll of being sidelined, the future remains uncertain. Fakhar’s case is not just about fitness tests or performances on the field; it’s also about how the selectors manage relationships with their players, and whether they apply the same standards to everyone. As Fakhar weighs his options and considers his next move, one thing is certain: his decision will have a significant impact on Pakistan’s cricket landscape.
Conclusion
The drama surrounding Fakhar Zaman’s reported retirement talks has exposed deeper issues within Pakistan’s cricket selection process. His perceived unfair treatment, combined with the glaring double standards in player contracts and selections, has put both Fakhar and the PCB in the spotlight. All eyes will be on Fakhar Zaman as he navigates this difficult period, and only time will tell whether he decides to call time on his illustrious career or fight his way back into the national setup.
