RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman has debunked the notion of being unfit after being rejected from the national team for the upcoming tour of South Africa across all formats.
Fakhar, who is part of Markhors’ squad in the current T20 Champions Cup, was asked about his fitness and potential return during an interview on the sidelines of his team’s opener against the Lions.
The left-handed batsman, in response, stated that he is fit and ready to play whenever he gets the opportunity.
“I’m in shape and that’s why I’m playing, and if I get the chance, I’ll play. I started my career at the Champions Trophy and I’m grateful that my performances were good and that we won matches there. And in this Champions Trophy, my only effort will be to play well and win games,” Fakhar said.
Fakhar was one of the most notable absences from Pakistan’s white-ball squads in the recently concluded white-ball tours of Australia and Zimbabwe respectively.
Last month, Pakistan’s interim white-ball coach Aqib Javedwhen asked about Fakhar’s selection for the upcoming tour of South Africa, he stated that the left-hander was having “some fitness issues”.
“Fakhar is a match winner, he has played for Pakistan for many years. He was having some physical problems,” Aqib shared.
Javed also shared that the national selection committee was in touch with Fakhar and he would be selected once he was fit.
“We are in communication with Fakhar. Whenever he is in good form, the selection committee will definitely consider him for selection and you will see him (playing) in the future,” he added.
Later, reports emerged that Fakhar was among the key players considered for the white-ball series against South Africa.
However, he failed to make it to the white-ball squads for the upcoming tour and Javed, in a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), cited his fitness as the reason for his exclusion.
“Fakhar Zaman was not considered as he is yet to regain form and is fit,” Javed was quoted by the PCB.
For those who don’t know, Fakhar’s last appearance for the green shirts came during the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June.
