PCB angry at Fakhar Zaman over controversial tweet citing Virat Kohli to back Babar Azam

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is unhappy with Fakhar Zaman. As per the reports in PTI, it is learned that the governing body was not happy with the way the opening batter reacted to reports of Babar Azam getting dropped from the Pakistan National Cricket Team for the second Test against the England National Cricket Team.

Pakistan National Cricket Team batter Babar Azam was the major topic in cricket on Sunday (13th October). The day started with the reports that claimed the right-hander is all set to be dropped from the team for the second Test against the England National Cricket Team.

The reports claimed that the selection committee of the Pakistan National Cricket Team isn't keen to play him in the second Test. They felt that the premier batter should get some rest and take some time off as they want to include a fresh set of players.

It’s concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam - Fakhar Zaman

With reports of Babar getting dropped going viral, Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman came with a massive reaction. He cited the example of Virat Kohli, saying that when the batter was out of form, India didn't drop him, and it is concerning to see Babar about to get dropped.

While calling Babar the best batter Pakistan has ever produced, he said that dropping the batter could send a negative message across the team. Taking to his Twitter account, he explained:

"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 has ever produced, it could send a deeply negative message across the team. There is still time to avoid pressing the panic button; we should focus on safeguarding our key players rather than undermining them."

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

Top board officials are not pleased with the tweet sent out by Fakhar for Babar Azam

Fakhar Zaman posting such a message hasn't gone well with the officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board. Speaking to PTI, an official stated:

"The top board officials are not pleased with the tweet sent out by Fakhar and relevant persons are having a word with him about it."

Pakistan drop Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Sarfaraz Khan

A few hours after the reports emerged, Pakistan then announced the squad for the last two Tests against England. Babar Azam was dropped from the team and not only him but also Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Sarfaraz Khan were dropped from the side.

Since the start of 2023, Babar averages under 21 in nine Tests. He has struggled to get going and also hasn't slammed a half-century in the format since 2022. In the first game against England, he registered scores of 30 and 5 across two innings. On a track, where almost every other batter scored runs, he looked out of touch in two innings. He would now be keen to make a dominating comeback and reply to his critics in style.