Fakhar Zaman Criticizes PCB, Faces Reprimand

Pakistan cricketer Fakhar Zaman criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board for planning to drop Babar Azam from Test matches against England. He compared Azam's situation with Virat Kohli's past form struggle. Fakhar has responded to PCB's show-cause notice, expressing respect for the board while defending his remarks.

Fakhar Zaman, a prominent opener for Pakistan, is likely to face only a reprimand after voicing criticism of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). His comments came before the squad announcement that intended to drop former captain Babar Azam for two Tests against England, leading to controversy.

Eventually, Babar Azam, along with senior players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Sarfaraz Ahmed, was excluded for the Test matches after Zaman's criticism on social media. Zaman highlighted similarities between Azam's performance dip and that of India's Virat Kohli, who experienced lean form between 2020 and 2022.

The PCB responded with a show-cause notice, demanding an explanation from Zaman for violating his central contract clause. Zaman replied by affirming his respect for the PCB and clarifying that his remarks were in support of a teammate, not a challenge to the board's authority.

(With inputs from agencies.)