Fakhar Zaman clarifies reason behind his exclusion from Pakistan team
What's the story
Fakhar Zaman, a linchpin of Pakistan's cricket team, has now explained why he was dropped from the squad temporarily last year.
Rumors had it that his public support for Babar Azam had resulted in his ouster, but Zaman has now clarified that health issues were the only reason.
The left-handed opening batsman revealed this during a chat with ex-cricketer Salman Butt on the latest episode of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Podcast.
Health issues
Zaman's health struggles led to team departure
Zaman revealed that he was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, which caused him to lose a lot of weight and become weak.
"Anyone can fall sick. I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, which led to a weight loss of 10kg and weakened my muscles. This was the only reason I was out of the team - there was nothing else," he explained on the PCB Podcast.
Comeback journey
Zaman's return to cricket post-recovery
After recovering from hyperthyroidism, Zaman struggled in his first few domestic cricket matches.
"I am fully fit now, but the first four to five matches in domestic cricket were tough, and I felt as if I had forgotten how to play," the 34-year-old cricketer admitted.
However, despite the struggles, he has made it back to the team for the Tri-Series and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Future goals
Zaman's aspirations for upcoming Champions Trophy
Zaman, who was instrumental in Pakistan's win in the 2017 edition of the tournament, said he was determined to make the upcoming Champions Trophy even more memorable.
"I will try my best to make this Champions Trophy even more memorable for myself and the team," he said.
He also expressed confidence in his probable opening partner Babar Azam, saying "I believe he will perform well as an opener and make things easier for me."
Numbers
Southpaw's ODI stats in brief
The batter, who has featured in 82 ODIs, has racked up 3,492 runs at an average of 46.56.
Meanwhile, across 81 innings he has maintained a strike rate of 93.44 while also smashing 11 tons and 16 fifties.
Additionally, he boasts a high score of 201*, which he hammered against Zimbabwe in 2018.
Notably, Zaman last played an ODI match during the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.
Squad
Pakistan's squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.