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

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee, led by Aaqib Javed, is reportedly set to exclude Pakistan’s best batter in last year’s World Cup, Fakhar Zaman, from the white-ball tour to Australia, set to take place in November.

A source closely linked with Pakistan Cricket reportedly cited the primary reason for Fakhar to not be considered was due to him failing to meet the eight-minute challenge for a two-kilometre run.

“Fakhar recently failed a fitness test upon his return from a long trip back from the West Indies, where he was tasked with completing a two-kilometre run in eight minutes - a challenge he could not meet. He is currently dealing with knee issues. Although he is fit to play matches and has been participating in domestic cricket, placing additional strain on his knee could lead to a serious injury,” stated the source, as quoted by News18 CricketNext.

The bulletin further added that the tweet which Fakhar had posted regarding the dropping of ace Pakistani batter, Babar Azam, was also an auxiliary cause for him being out of the reckoning.

“While Aaqib Javed has relaxed the fitness standards for team selection, Fakhar’s candid remarks during the recent connection camp regarding his No Objection Certificate did not sit well with certain top board officials (excluding the chairman),” the report added.

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Fakhar, who was once considered to be the successor of Babar in the 50-over side after the latter stepped down from his post, does not even have his spot in the squad guaranteed.

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The batter is currently enduring issues with his knee, and further developments regarding it is expected soon. With Pakistan not having a single ODI in their itinerary since the conclusion of the 50-over World Cup, they have not yet announced a skipper for the 50-over side. However, it is expected that a new player will be called upon to shepherd the team during Australia's tour.