Is it time for Pakistan to move on from Fakhar Zaman?
The left-handed opener has managed scores of 16, 0, 10 and 5 in the four matches he played in the ongoing tri-series
Syed Irtiza Ali
Associate Producer, Karachi
Syed Irtiza Ali is a sports journalist with writing experience since 2016. For five years, contributed freelance articles to The News on Sunday (TNS), on all major sports. In late 2021, joined Geo News as a Sports Sub-Editor. Have written bylines for TNS, Geo, and Geo Super. He aims to bring attention to overlooked sports such as squash and hockey.
Fakhar Zaman scored just five runs during Pakistan's fourth match of the ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka in Lahore on October 27, 2026.
Fakhar Zaman’s poor form in the ODI tri-series against England and Sri Lanka has raised questions about his place in Pakistan’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The left-handed opener has scored just 31 runs in four innings, averaging 7.75, with a highest score of 16. He has also been dismissed by short-pitched deliveries twice against Sri Lanka.
The slump comes after he finished as the leading run-scorer in the Champions Cup 2026, highlighting the contrast between his domestic and international performances.
At 36, the left-handed batter will be 37 by the time the 2027 ODI World Cup takes place in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Pakistan will need to assess whether the experienced opener can regain consistency ahead of the tournament.
Fakhar’s record in South Africa offers some encouragement. He has scored 469 ODI runs in the country, including two centuries, at an average of 58.62. However, he last played an ODI there in 2021.
His recent injury concerns also remain a factor. Fakhar missed the 2025 Champions Trophy due to an abdominal injury and was unavailable for Pakistan’s home ODI series against Australia in May 2026.
With younger opening options such as Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat and Shamyl Hussain in contention, Pakistan face a decision over how to prepare their top order for the 2027 World Cup.
Fakhar’s experience and ability to produce match-winning innings remain valuable, but he will need to deliver more consistently to strengthen his case for a place in Pakistan’s World Cup plans.
So, the challenge is no longer simply about producing one big innings. He needs to demonstrate that he can deliver consistently and remain a reliable option at the top of the order.
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