Pakistan batsman Faqar Zaman has broken his silence on the fitness concerns that recently put him at the center of a selection controversy, following questions raised by former fast bowler Abdur Rauf.
Controversy erupted on social media platform X after Roof shared pictures of Zaman taking a diving catch during the National T20 Cup match between Abbottabad Region and Lahore Whites at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Roof used the post to criticize the national selection committee, questioning their judgment after the player was allegedly deemed injured, prompting a request for a formal investigation by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
“A day ago, our selection committee declared him injured and requested a hearing. What great minds and visionary men we have to run our cricket,” Roof wrote.
In a direct reply, Zaman went on to clarify the timeline for his recovery and defend the selection committee’s initial stance.
He explained that he was not fit for the longer 50-over format at the time the squad was announced and returned to competitive action only after passing mandatory fitness assessments.
“Abdur Ruf Bhai, I am not 100% fit to play 50-over games. If so, Aqib Javed is right. I will play these games after clearing the fitness tests on 15th,” replied Faqar.
The exchange ended on an amicable note, with the former fast bowler appreciating Zaman’s dedication on the field. Roof moved to draw a line under the controversy, asserting that player welfare is paramount.
“Anyway great catch. No need to worry. We are here to support our players like you. Nothing is more important than you. I will delete (the post),” he said.
Fitness Saga gets behind Pakistan’s recent white-ball commitments.
Zaman played a limited role in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, featuring in only two matches.
After missing the initial group-stage matches, he scored 25 against England in the Super Eights, followed by a must-win 84-run innings against Sri Lanka.
However, following the World Cup, he was reportedly ruled out of Pakistan’s three-match ODI tour of Bangladesh due to injury – a series the Green Shirts lost 2–1.
The absence of key players prompted the Pakistan Men’s Selection Committee to investigate the injuries suffered by veteran batsmen Babar Azam and Faqar Zaman during the T20 World Cup campaign.
Pakistan, the 2009 champions, failed to qualify for the World Cup semi-finals. They are currently participating in a three-match ODI series for which they have decided to rest six key players.
Committee member Akib Javed said that this includes the senior batting pair of Babar and Fakhar.
Despite their encouraging performance in the long format, the decision to drop the pair drew heavy criticism from fans who accused the group of a “design mix”.
Addressing a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium along with fellow selectors Sarbaraz Ahmed, Asad Shafiq and Misbah-ul-Haq, Javed said the two players were injured during the T20 World Cup.
He also said that the selection committee was kept in the dark about their fitness status then.
“Some players were not included in this series (against Bangladesh). Regarding Babar Asam’s injury, when he returned from there (T20 World Cup), our doctor also examined him. His injury did not allow him to play in this series or the National T20 Cup… He wanted to play but he was injured,” Javed said.
“Fakhar’s injury – we have also asked the cricket board to inquire about this. If Fakhar was not fit, then how come we got the injury of these two players only after the World Cup? Was their fitness overlooked during the World Cup, while they were playing? Were they in the team without full fitness? We need to know these things.”
Javed also addressed the squad composition for the ongoing Bangladesh series, which includes six uncapped players.
Ahead of the T20 World Cup, he emphasized that the team is determined to use the tour as an opportunity to showcase young talent.
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