Fully fit Fakhar Zaman eyes strong comeback in HBL PSL

Left-handed batter Fakhar Zaman played a key role in Lahore Qalandars' title-winning campaigns in the 2022 and 2023 edition of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL).

In the 2022 season, Fakhar led the overall batting charts by accumulating 588 runs at an impressive average of 45.23, helping Qalandars clinch their first-ever PSL title. His performance included a century and seven half-centuries.

The following season, he continued to make an impact, scoring 429 runs, which featured one century and two fifties, playing a vital role in Qalandars' title defense. He ended the season as the fourth-highest run-scorer.

However, his form dipped in the 2024 edition, where he managed only 157 runs in eight matches. Qalandars had a dismal run, winning just one out of their ten games and finishing at the bottom of the table with only three points.

When Fakhar performs well, Qalandars tend to secure victories. It remains to be seen how he will fare this season, especially after a tough period. He was dropped from Pakistan’s tours of Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa last year, mainly due to fitness concerns.

He made a comeback during the tri-nation series in Lahore, featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, but suffered an oblique tear while fielding against New Zealand in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy in Karachi. As a result, he was ruled out of the tournament and was replaced by Imam-ul-Haq. His rehabilitation process also forced him to miss Pakistan’s recent white-ball series in New Zealand.

Now back for the PSL, Fakhar is determined to guide Qalandars to another championship.

“My goal remains the same—to top the batting charts and lead my team to victory,” Fakhar said during a training session.

“This season, I will again aim to win matches for my team and secure a spot in the final,” he added.

He mentioned that he is gradually regaining his rhythm.

“The first day was tough since I hadn’t batted for one and a half months. It felt strange, almost as if I was batting without pads. But we still have eight to nine days before our first match, and by the end of the session, I could feel the ball coming onto the bat. Tomorrow will be better, and I will be back in form in three to four days,” he explained.

Fakhar emphasized that they will approach every game as if it were a final.

“Just like in previous seasons, we will treat every match as a final, with the ultimate aim of winning the trophy again. We will take it one game at a time and ensure every player contributes,” he remarked.

The 34-year-old also assured fans of an exciting tournament.

“PSL maintains a high standard in both batting and bowling. Like always, fans can expect a tough and competitive season,” he said.

Fakhar also shared his role in mentoring younger players.

“I always share my experience with the younger players. Today, I spoke with Mohammad Naeem, and I see a lot of potential in him. As the senior-most player in Qalandars, I also guide newcomers from other franchises and will continue to do so,” he concluded.