Fakhar Zaman on PCB’s radar: A growing tension amid support for Babar Azam

Fakhar Zaman has drawn the ire of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after making public remarks questioning Pakistan selectors decision to drop Babar Azam from the Test side.

The tensions between Zaman and the PCB have been escalating over time, particularly regarding players’ treatment over the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overseas leagues. His latest statement on social media has brought these simmering issues to the forefront.

Post in support for Babar Azam

Fakhar Zaman took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday to express his disappointment over reports of Babar Azam being dropped for the second and third Tests against England. In a strongly-worded message, Zaman referred to Babar as Pakistan’s “premier batsman” and criticized the selectors decision, warning that it could send a “deeply negative message across the team.”

Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam share details of their match-winning partnership against New Zealand in 2023 ODI World Cup.PCB

"It is concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam," Zaman wrote. "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."

PCB’s response

Fakhar’s post came just minutes before Pakistan announced their 16-member squad for the remainder of the series, notably without Babar Azam. The PCB responded by issuing a show-cause notice to Fakhar on Monday, asking him to explain his position within seven days.

This action signaled that Fakhar’s remarks had crossed a line in the board’s view, and it appears the PCB is keen on asserting its authority over players who publicly criticize its decisions. By publicly questioning the selection policy, Zaman has set himself on a collision course with the PCB.

Previous friction

This is not the first time Fakhar has had a run-in with the PCB recently. Last month, during the PCB’s "Connection Camp" aimed at addressing players’ concerns, Zaman voiced his frustrations directly to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Usman Wahla, PCB's director of international cricket operations, during the connection camp in September, 2024.PCB

Fakhar reportedly complained about his treatment by Usman Wahla, the PCB's director of international cricket operations. He alleged that Wahla had delayed the issuance of NOCs for participation in international T20 leagues. This complaint was highlighted in a video discussion shared by former cricketer Rashid Latif on his Facebook account on September 25.

In the video, Latif and TV presenter Dr. Nauman Niaz discussed Fakhar’s grievances, particularly his issues with NOCs for overseas leagues.

According to Nauman, Fakhar highlighted two specific incidents: one during Australia’s Big Bash League, and another during the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL). In both cases, he was granted NOCs only to be recalled abruptly, disrupting his professional commitments. In the case of the CPL, Zaman flew over 30 hours to the Caribbean only to be called back the next day for a fitness test, which the PCB subsequently deemed unsatisfactory due to fatigue.

In response, Latif praised Fakhar for his boldness but warned him that the PCB would retaliate.

“The way he bats aggressively, that is how he talks and he won’t back down,” Latif said.

"They will attack Fakhar now. They will attack his central contract. They can say that his fitness is not up to the mark and give him a lower contract," Latif predicted three weeks ago.

This prediction seems to be playing out now with the show-cause notice.

Implications for Fakhar and PCB

Fakhar Zaman’s latest confrontation with the PCB could have far-reaching consequences. His central contract may be jeopardized, and his future in the national team could be in doubt.

Fakhar Zaman speaking during PCB's connection camp in September, 2024.PCB

Latif’s warning about the PCB targeting Fakhar’s contract may prove prophetic if the board decides to act against him. Moreover, the show-cause notice signals a broader issue within the PCB about how dissent is handled and how players are treated when they challenge the board's decisions.

The PCB needs to tread carefully. Pakistan cricket has already seen players like Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim opt out of central contracts to pursue league cricket, a trend that the PCB cannot afford to expand. If more players like Fakhar Zaman feel mistreated or undermined, it could lead to further erosion of talent from the national team pool.

The board’s handling of the situation with Zaman will be watched closely, not only by the fans but also by other players who may share similar grievances.