Fakhar Zaman issues bold response to PCB's show-cause notice over controversial 'Babar Azam' tweet

Pakistan’s opening batter Fakhar Zaman has boldly responded to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) show-cause notice issued after his public criticism regarding the removal of Babar Azam from the Test squad for the second and final Test of the ongoing home series against England.

Following the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) controversial decision to drop Babar Azam along with Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah after a crushing defeat to England in the first Test Multan, Fakhar Zaman felt compelled to voice his support for the former Pakistan captain.

Fakhar Zaman responds to PCB's show cause notice after criticizing Babar Azam's dropping

Furthermore, Zaman said that Babar is one of the best batters in the world and deserves a fair chance to regain his form rather than facing axing from the Pakistan cricket team due to the lean patch.

He further said that just like the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) supported Virat Kohli during his struggles, Babar should have been supported by the PCB while stressing the importance of supporting key players during challenging times.

Zaman even mentioned Virat Kohli’s average when he was going through the rough phase of his career to target the PCB for dropping Babar from the Test team. He had urged the national selection committee and PCB to focus on safeguarding key players rather than undermining them.

There is still time to avoid pressing the panic button: Fakhar Zaman

Fakhar Zaman posted on the social media platform X on October 13: “It’s concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam. India didn’t bench Virat Kohli during his rough stretch between 2020 and 2023, when he averaged 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, respectively.”

It’s concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam. India didn’t bench Virat Kohli during his rough stretch between 2020 and 2023, when he averaged 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, respectively. If we are considering sidelining our premier batsman, arguably the best Pakistan…

— Fakhar Zaman (@FakharZamanLive) October 13, 2024

The ongoing controversy highlights the growing tensions within Pakistan cricket as the team navigates through a challenging series against England. Zaman’s comments could ignite further discussions on player management and the expectations placed on cricketers amid intense scrutiny.

The PCB is our institution, and we will continue to honor it: Fakhar Zaman

Meanwhile, responding to the PCB's show cause notice, Fakhar Zaman emphasized his respect for the PCB, clarifying that his comments were driven by concern for a friend and teammate. He acknowledged Babar Azam's status as one of the world's top batters, so he felt it was important to voice his support during challenging times.

Fakhar reiterated that Azam deserved an opportunity to prove himself, especially given the backing provided by the PCB's central contract. The 34-year-old also reaffirmed his commitment and respect to the PCB.

In an official statement to PCB, Zaman was quoted as saying by propakistani.pk: “Babar Azam is one of the world’s best, and that’s why I felt compelled to express my opinion. As a fellow cricketer, I believe Babar deserved the chance to overcome his rough patch, as supported by his central contract with the PCB. The PCB is our institution, and we will continue to honor it.”