‘I felt compelled to express my opinion’ - Fakhar Zaman responds to PCB's show-cause notice

Fakhar Zaman has caught ever headline after his viral post on X (formerly Twitter) following the PCB's (Pakistan Cricket Board) decision to drop Babar Azam from the Test squad in the aftermath of the team's massive loss to England in Multan Test. 

Fakhar lauded Babar as one of the best players in the country and compared his situation with that of Virat Kohli. Fakhar had highlighted how the BCCI backed Kohli despite his poor form between 2020 and 2023.

"It’s concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam. 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,” Fakhar had written in his post. 

Also Read: Reports: Pakistan set to drop Fakhar Zaman for white-ball tour to Australia

However, his post did not sit well with the PCB as the cricketing body issued a show-cause notice to him, seeking an explanation. The 34-year-old has responded to the same and reiterated his support for Babar. Fakhar opined that he made the tweet in Babar’s support out of concern for a fellow compatriot. He also expressed his support towards the PCB, adding that every player in the side will continue to back the board.

"Babar Azam is one of the best batters in the world, and that’s why I felt compelled to express my opinion. I believe Babar Azam deserved a chance during tough times, reflecting on the PCB's central contract as a fellow player. The PCB is our institution, and we will continue to respect it,” Fakhar Zaman was quoted as saying by Pakistan Cricket.