Interim head coach for white-ball cricket in Pakistan, Aqib Javed has shared his thoughts on Fakhar Zaman’s return to the national team.
Fakhar Zaman was benched ahead of the series against England. Media reports claimed that his ouster from the team had come due to a post in support of former skipper Babar Azam, against the wishes of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
“As soon as Fakhar Zaman’s fitness issues are resolved, he will be selected… there is no doubt that Fakhar is a warrior,” Aqib said in conversation with media persons in Lahore.
“Coaching is not new to me. I have been associated with it for 22 years and there will be no problems due to additional responsibilities. I was earlier included in the selection committee and we have achieved positive results there,” he added.
Fakhar had questioned PCB’s decision to rest Babar Azam in two matches of the series against England.
In a post on social media, he had given the example of Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, saying that when he was out of form, he was not benched by India. This had prompted the PCB to serve Fakhar with a show-cause notice. Responding to the notice, Fakhar said that Babar was one of the best batsmen in the world and was also a good friend, which was why he expressed his opinion.
He had said that Babar should have been given a chance considering the PCB’s central contract. While Fakhar had then been dropped from the team amid speculations regarding the controversy’s role in his exit, the board had later cited fitness issues as the reason behind the star batter’s removal.
Prior to the controversy, Fakhar’s name was also being considered for the slot of Pakistan’s white-ball captain.