Fakhar Zaman's career over? Aaqib Javed reveals and drops bombshell on Pakistan XI selection

Pakistan National Cricket Team interim white-ball coach Aaqib Javed talked about his role as coach. He said that although he is the head coach of the team, the selection committee will be making the decisions related to the playing XI.

Pakistan National Cricket Team made a massive change to their coaching setup of the white-ball cricket. They roped in Aaqib Javed as the interim head coach of white-ball teams till the end of the 2025 Champions Trophy, which will take place in February-March next year.

Aaqib Javed will be taking over as head coach of the team in the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe

This comes after Gary Kirsten quit as the head coach of the white-ball team. The former South Africa National Cricket Team player reportedly had some issues with the Pakistan Cricket Board and it was learned that he wasn't on the same page with selectors and hence was terminated from the post.

Aaqib will be taking over the role of the head coach the team in the upcoming T20I series against the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team. He would be hoping to start his stint on high and help the young Pakistan National Cricket Team win the series under the leadership of Salman Ali Agha.

I am the head coach but still playing XI will be decided by the whole selection committee - Aaqib Javed

Aaqib Javed spoke for the first time after his appointment as the head coach of the white-ball team. He made a strong statement, saying that he is not the only one on the selection committee and that he won't have all the say in picking the playing XI. Speaking to the media, he said:

"I am the head coach but still playing XI will be decided by the whole selection committee. I am not the only one on the selection committee."

He had some fitness issues, and we’ve been communicating with him about that - Aaqib Javed

Aaqib Javed also talked about the availability of Fakhar Zaman. He said that the opening batter has fitness issues but was quick to quip that once the batter is fit, he will be considered for selection. He elaborated:

"Fakhar Zaman is a match-winner and has been giving excellent performances for Pakistan for the past few years. He had some fitness issues, and we’ve been communicating with him about that. As soon as he’s fit, the selection committee will definitely consider him, and you’ll see Fakhar soon."

Fakhar Zaman was recently part of a massive controversy of late. He came under the scanner after he tweeted for Babar Azam following the right-hander was dropped from the Pakistan team for the Test series against England National Cricket Team. The opening batter urged the board not to drop star players as it sends a negative message.

The opening batter was then issued the show cause notice by the Pakistan Cricket Board. He was dropped from the team for the tour to Australia and Zimbabwe, and not only this, he was also terminated from the central contracts. It remains to be seen when will the batter make a comeback into the team.

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