Pakistan’s aggressive opener Fakhar Zaman is reportedly considering retirement after being dropped from the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) central contract, according to Urdupoint.
The aggressive batter has been asked to undergo another fitness test in January, revealing double standards. Usman Khan stopped during the third round of the 2-kilometre run but not only received a contract but also made it into the squad.
According to details, the PCB selection committee released the list of centrally contracted cricketers yesterday, and Fakhar Zaman’s name was not included. Last year, he was in the B category. Fakhar Zaman is also not included in the squads for the tours of Australia and Zimbabwe.
Recently, he was invited for a fitness test but couldn’t complete the 2-kilometer run in 8 minutes. This test was used as a basis to drop him.
Some sources suggest his candid conversation at the connection camp and tweet in favour of Babar Azam also played a role. Close sources to Fakhar Zaman said he is very unhappy with the current situation. He believes he always played for the country and never prioritized records but is being treated this way. Fakhar Zaman is considering retirement but hasn’t made a final decision.
Close friends advised him not to make any emotional decisions, as he could still represent Pakistan for several more years. On the other hand, sources revealed that Imam-ul-Haq completed the run in 8 minutes and 11 seconds, while Kamran Ghulam completed it in 8 minutes and 22 seconds. Yet, Imam was excluded, and Kamran was awarded a contract.
Similarly, Usman Khan stopped during the third round of the 2-kilometre run this month but was still included among the contracted cricketers and in the teams for the Australia and Zimbabwe tours.
Despite having fewer wickets than Haris Rauf (C), Naseem Shah was placed in the B category. Shaheen Afridi, who has taken the most 80 wickets for Pakistan in all formats since July 1, 2023, was demoted from A to B category. On the other hand, Babar Azam remains in the A category despite being out of form for a long time.
