Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has weighed in on the ongoing tension between opening batsman Fakhar Zaman and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Akhtar offered words of wisdom to both parties, urging them to put aside their differences to improve Pakistan cricket.
Speaking on a local news channel, the 49-year-old expressed his disappointment over Zaman’s prolonged exclusion from the Pakistan squad, attributing it to “ego battles” within the team management.
“He (Fakhar Zaman) is a good, mature and committed player but you benched him unnecessarily due to ego battles,” Akhtar said.
“Even if you don’t play with it now, you’ll need it sooner or later – if not today, then tomorrow.”
The ‘Rawalpindi Express’ also gave some advice to the left-handed batsman, urging him to focus on his performance rather than making public statements.
“Fakhar also needs to understand one thing: he should stop making such statements. Instead, he should act and let his bat do the talking,” he said.
Notably, the opening batsman has been overlooked by Pakistan’s white-ball teams in the ongoing series against South Africa.
Pakistan interim coach Aqib Javed, in a statement released by the 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.
The 34-year-old, however, when asked about his fitness during the T20 Champions Cup, shared that he is fit and ready to play whenever he gets the opportunity.
“I’m in good shape and that’s why I’m playing. If I have the opportunity, I will play. I started my career in the Champions Trophy and I’m grateful that my performances were good and that we won matches there. In this Champions Trophy, my only effort will be to play well and win games,” Fakhar said.
