Shahid Afridi comments on Fakhar Zaman’s exclusion from Pakistan squad, central contracts

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi came out in support of left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman, stating it is crucial to engage with him and leverage his abilities.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday, announced the central contracts for the 2024-25 international season, along with the squads for the tours to Australia and Zimbabwe.

However, Fakhar’s name was missing from the central contract list and squads for the upcoming tours.

Meanwhile, Shahid Afridi, without mentioning the cricketing body, offered a piece of advice to them regarding Fakhar Zaman, emphasizing the need to maximise the potential of the “talented match-winner”.

“Regarding Fakhar Zaman, let’s ensure we maximise the potential of this talented match-winner,” wrote Afridi on X, formerly Twitter.

” It’s crucial to engage with him and leverage his abilities at this prime stage of his career. He has the power to lead us to victory in matches, series and tournaments,” he added.

The former all-rounder also lauded the PCB for entrusting wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan to lead the team. He expressed confidence in Rizwan’s ability to steer the white-ball side to new heights.

“If you’re searching for a captain who embodies strategy, fearlessness, positivity, energy and passion, look no further than Rizwan,” wrote Afridi on X, formerly Twitter.

“I’m thrilled that @TheRealPCB has entrusted him with this important responsibility. I have full confidence that he will propel this white-ball team forward and meet the high expectations of those who want to see Pakistan cricket thrive and succeed,” he added.

Rizwan on Sunday, replaced Babar Azam as Pakistan’s white-ball captain after the latter stepped down from the role earlier this month, in a bid to focus more on his role as a player.

Rizwan’s first assignment as captain will be the white-ball series in Australia, starting on 4 November.

READ: Mohammad Rizwan reveals his vision as Pakistan captain