Fakhar Zaman snubs retirement rumors, eyes Test cricket comeback
What's the story
Pakistani cricketer Fakhar Zaman has laid to rest speculation about him retiring from the sport.
The left-handed batter clarified he was considering a break due to a thyroid condition, but not retirement.
"There is no truth in this. Retirement never crossed my mind," he stated in a video uploaded on Pakistan Cricket's X.
This clarification comes after Zaman was ruled out of the Champions Trophy squad due to an oblique tear.
Here's more.
Video clarification
Zaman addresses retirement rumors in video message
As mentioned, in a video shared by Pakistan Cricket, Zaman quashed the retirement rumors.
"Well, I've also heard a lot about this, and my friends have also sent messages. One-day is my favourite format and, yes, because of my thyroid problem, I was thinking of taking some time off from cricket," he stated.
He expressed his desire to play across all formats for Pakistan stating, "I want to play one-day, T20, I even want to play Test cricket."
Comeback strategy
Zaman's comeback and future plans
Zaman also spoke about his plans for a future comeback after his injury.
He said, "As far as my comeback from injury is concerned, I will hopefully return to competitive cricket in a month."
He regretted not being able to open the batting for Pakistan during the ongoing Champions Trophy due to his injury, but remains hopeful about his future in cricket.
Injury aftermath
Zaman's injury update and impact on Pakistan's performance
Zaman revealed that his doctor has advised him to resume his training in three weeks.
He said he believes Pakistan's performance in the Champions Trophy could have been different had he not been injured.
Despite this setback, Zaman is committed to his cricket career and is determined to make a strong comeback in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Zaman's comments about Pakistan's performance comes after the team's back-to-back losses and elimination from semifinal contention.
Injury
Zaman was ruled out of ICC Champions Trophy
As mentioned Pakistan's opening batsman, Zaman was ruled out of the Champions Trophy with an injury.
Meanwhile, Imam-ul-Haq was approved by the ICC as the opener's replacement.
The incident occurred during Pakistan's opening match against New Zealand at Karachi's National Stadium on February 19.
Fakhar sustained the injury while fielding in the first over after Pakistan chose to bowl first.
Numbers
A look at the opener's ODI and Test numbers
In 86 ODIs, the batter has managed 3,651 runs at an average of 46.21.
He also owns a strike rate of 93.85, alongside 11 hundreds and 17 fifties. His highest score is 210*.
According to ESPNcricinfo, he owns 276 runs from four Champions Trophy innings at 55.20.
Meanwhile, in Tests, he has 192 runs across six innings at 32. His highest score is 94 (vs Australia). Zaman also owns two fifties.
Twitter Post
X post by the Pakistan Cricket Board
In conversation with @FakharZamanLive 🎙️
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 26, 2025
The left-handed batter talks about the emotions after the tournament-ending injury in ICC Champions Trophy, his ongoing rehab and addresses rumours of his retirement. pic.twitter.com/RPsRAcTbkP