Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan has explained why explosive opening batter Fakhar Zaman was excluded from the national squad for the tour of South Africa.
The Pakistan men’s selection committee, on 4 December, announced the squads for the upcoming South Africa tour, scheduled from 10 December to 7 January. The tour comprises three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests.
However, Fakhar Zaman was once again ignored after being left out of the central contracts as well as the recent tours of Australia and Zimbabwe.
Mohammad Rizwan, in a video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), asserted that there was no ‘personal bias’ whatsoever behind Fakhar’s exclusion from the team.
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“I think the whole of Pakistan knows Fakhar Zaman, and there’s nothing personal about him that makes anyone feel like he’s being treated unfairly,” said Rizwan.
“From the conversations we’ve had among ourselves, everyone is hopeful about him because he is something different for Pakistan – he’s a character and a game-changer.”
The captain of the white-ball team further revealed that Fakhar is currently unwell and experiencing symptoms reminiscent of a viral fever.
Due to his condition, it was deemed best for him to remain in Pakistan. While he is unable to join the team, he will continue to participate in the ongoing Champions T20 Cup under the careful supervision of the medical team.
“I don’t think anyone knows that he is unwell, basically. It is not only a fitness issue, meaning it is not like he failed a fitness test. From what I personally know, he is unwell with something like a viral fever,” he added.
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“Because of this illness, he has been advised to participate in the ongoing T20 tournament in Pakistan. And, God forbid, if anything serious happens, the doctors will look after him properly.”
Rizwan also shared that the management of the PCB, along with the coaching staff and selection committee, has expressed strong support for Fakhar as he focuses on his recovery.
“I’ve had in-depth discussions with the selection committee regarding this situation,” Rizwan stated.
“The coach and PCB management have been informed to take good care of Fakhar during this time. So, there’s nothing personal against him – the whole of Pakistan knows this. Everyone is hopeful that he’ll rejoin the Pakistan team soon.”
It is important to note that Fakhar Zaman last played for Pakistan during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024 in June.