According to reports, Fakhar Zaman may be considering retirement after being left off the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) list of centrally contracted players. Fakhar, previously in Category B, was also omitted from Pakistan’s squads for the Australia and Zimbabwe tours.
Close sources reveal that Fakhar’s morale has been impacted by his exclusion and perceived inconsistencies in fitness standards.
Although he was scheduled for another fitness test in January 2025, his disappointment reportedly stems from what he sees as double standards in the selection process.
Fakhar was unable to complete the two-kilometer run within the required eight minutes due to a knee issue, while another player, Usman Khan, secured a contract and tour spot despite failing to complete his fitness test.
Sources suggest Fakhar’s public support for Babar Azam on social media may have influenced his exclusion. At 34, Fakhar has yet to make a final retirement decision, with friends advising against an emotional choice, reminding him of his importance to the team.
Inconsistencies in fitness evaluations have affected others as well, with Imam-ul-Haq narrowly missing the mark and being left out, while Kamran Ghulam, with a slower time, secured a contract.
Naseem Shah also received a B category contract despite lower wicket-taking stats than Haris Rauf, while Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker since July 2023, was demoted to Category B. Babar Azam, despite recent struggles, remains in Category A.
Fakhar, with three Tests, 82 ODIs, and 92 T20Is under his belt and an impressive 3,492 ODI runs, remains a valuable asset for future tours.