Pakistan’s top-order batter, Fakhar Zaman, has addressed the controversy surrounding his tweet in support of Babar Azam, which sparked tensions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The tweet, shared prior to the PCB’s decision to exclude Babar from the squad for the final two Tests against England in October 2024, was widely interpreted as a criticism of the board. However, Fakhar has now backtracked, emphasizing that his intentions were misunderstood.
Support for Babar Azam Amid Criticism
Babar Azam faced intense scrutiny following a below-par performance in the first Test against England, leading to widespread speculation about his potential exclusion from the squad. Fakhar Zaman, drawing a parallel with how India supported Virat Kohli during his struggles, took to social media to advocate for Babar, arguing that dropping the star player could send a negative message.
In his tweet, Fakhar highlighted Babar’s contributions to Pakistan cricket, expressing frustration over the criticism leveled at him by journalists and former players. However, the message did not sit well with the PCB, which perceived it as an attack on their authority.
“I Should Not Have Tweeted”: Fakhar Zaman
Addressing the controversy, Fakhar Zaman admitted that his tweet was ill-timed and clarified that it was not intended as a critique of the PCB. “When I saw the news about Babar being targeted, I felt compelled to share my opinion,” Fakhar explained. “But upon reflection, I realized I should not have tweeted. People misinterpreted my post as criticism of the board, which was not my intention.”
He further explained that the tweet was posted before the PCB officially announced its decision to drop Babar. “I had seen speculation in the media for a few days, and that prompted my reaction. My timing may have been poor, but it was not directed at the board’s eventual decision.”
PCB Issues Show-Cause Notice
Fakhar’s tweet drew a strong response from the PCB, resulting in a show-cause notice. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi later disclosed that the tweet played a role in Fakhar’s exclusion from Pakistan’s white-ball squads for the series against Australia and Zimbabwe.
A Lesson for Young Cricketers
Fakhar has since urged younger players to avoid public criticism of the cricket board during their careers. “No player is bigger than the board, no matter their achievements,” he stated. “I would advise junior players to be cautious about such matters and maintain respect for the board throughout their playing days.”
Despite the controversy, Fakhar reaffirmed his respect for the PCB, reiterating that his tweet was driven by his admiration for Babar Azam’s contributions rather than any intent to challenge the board’s authority.
Recent Performances and Future Prospects
Fakhar Zaman’s last appearance for Pakistan came in a T20I match against Ireland. While he has not been part of recent squads, his acknowledgment of the mistake and emphasis on unity might help pave the way for a return in the future. For now, Fakhar hopes to use his experience to guide younger players in navigating the challenges of professional cricket.
