Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s white-ball captain, has addressed the ongoing speculation regarding Fakhar Zaman’s exclusion from the national team squad, emphasizing that the decision was based on health concerns rather than personal bias.
In a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Rizwan clarified that Zaman’s omission from the squad for the upcoming South Africa tour was not a result of any fitness test failure but due to illness. Rizwan confirmed that Zaman, despite being an important player for Pakistan, was excluded due to suffering from a viral fever, which had hindered his participation in the squad.
“There is nothing personal about Fakhar Zaman’s exclusion,” Rizwan stated. “It’s not a fitness issue or a failure in the fitness test. Fakhar has been unwell, and that’s the reason for his absence.” Rizwan also expressed hope that Zaman would recover soon and rejoin the team.
On the other hand, Fakhar Zaman, who is currently playing for Markhors in the ongoing Champions T20 Cup, has responded to rumors regarding his fitness. Zaman confirmed that he is fit and his participation in the tournament proves his readiness to play for the national team. “I’m fit, and that’s why I’m playing,” Zaman remarked, adding that he would be ready to return to the team whenever called upon.
Zaman’s exclusion from the national squad has been a subject of debate, especially after he was also left out of the PCB’s central contracts for the first time in eight years. The decision has been attributed to both fitness issues and Zaman’s controversial social media posts, particularly his criticism of the selection committee’s decision to drop Babar Azam from the Test squad. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that while Zaman’s tweet was an issue, his failure to pass the fitness test was the primary reason for his exclusion.
