Fakhar Zaman, the Pakistan opener, is anticipated to be reinstated in the central contracts and called up to the national white-ball team following a recent breach of the players’ code of conduct. Despite facing disciplinary action due to a controversial tweet about team captain Babar Azam, PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) insiders revealed that he may only receive a reprimand instead of stricter penalties. A committee is expected to be established shortly to review the response Fakhar provided after receiving a show cause notice from the PCB regarding his tweet. The Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to issue a reprimand to Fakhar Zaman instead of imposing any severe penalties.
Initially, Fakhar was removed from the central contracts list for the 2024/25 season and was excluded from the recent series in Australia and Zimbabwe. However, according to sources, his reply to the notice expressed remorse, indicating his understanding of the situation. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, along with selectors and newly appointed captain Mohammad Rizwan, held discussions that may lead to a favorable outcome for him.
The selectors have advised Fakhar to concentrate on his rehabilitation for a knee injury before the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa in December. The expectation is that he will be included in the squad for these matches, which will serve as a stepping stone to his reinstatement in the central contracts. The selectors, Rizwan included, seem to agree that his skills are still valuable to the white-ball team, particularly with the Champions Trophy scheduled to take place in Pakistan early next year. The Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to issue a reprimand to Fakhar Zaman instead of imposing any severe penalties.
There is a strong consensus that once the committee reviews and accepts Fakhar’s reply to the show cause notice, he will be cleared for selection. Following this, he will be subjected to a fitness test prior to finalizing the squad for the South Africa tour. The internal discussions within the PCB suggest they acknowledge Fakhar’s contributions to the team and are willing to give him a second chance while ensuring that his fitness is prioritized.The Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to issue a reprimand to Fakhar Zaman instead of imposing any severe penalties.
Overall, it appears that Fakhar Zaman is on the path to redemption, with the board’s supportive stance highlighting the team’s need for experienced players as they prepare for crucial upcoming tournaments. If he can successfully navigate the rehabilitation process and meet fitness standards, he has a good chance of rejoining the national squad and securing his position in the central contracts for the future.
