Aaqib Javed Discusses Fakhar Zaman's Comeback Prospects

Aaqib Javed, the interim head coach of Pakistan's white-ball cricket team, has recently shed light on the potential return of top-order batter Fakhar Zaman to the national squad. This discussion comes after Fakhar was notably left out of the central contracts for the 2024-25 international season and was also excluded from the teams set to tour Australia and Zimbabwe last month.

During a media briefing in Lahore, Aaqib praised Fakhar, referring to him as a "match-winner" for the team. He acknowledged that Fakhar is currently facing some fitness challenges but expressed optimism about his return. Aaqib stated, "Fakhar Zaman is a match-winner. He has been facing some fitness issues, but the selection committee will reconsider him once he regains fitness." This statement highlights the importance of Fakhar's role in the team and the hope that he will soon be back in action.

It is worth noting that Fakhar had previously expressed his disappointment regarding the selection committee's decision to drop star batter Babar Azam after the first Test against England last month. This led to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issuing a show-cause notice to Fakhar for breaching the Code of Conduct, indicating the seriousness of the situation.

Aaqib Javed, who has taken on the role of interim head coach, emphasized his commitment to advancing Pakistan cricket. He remarked, "PCB has entrusted me with additional responsibilities, and I will fulfill them to the best of my abilities." With over 22 years of coaching experience, Aaqib is determined to leverage his knowledge to benefit the team. He stated, "As a coach, I am not focusing on individual players but on improving Pakistan cricket as a whole." This approach signifies a shift towards a more collective effort in enhancing the team's performance.

Moreover, Aaqib pointed out that significant changes are necessary for Pakistan's T20I team. He mentioned that new players will be given ample opportunities as the team prepares for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. "There’s still over a year left for the next T20 World Cup, so a lot of changes will be seen," he noted. The selection for the upcoming tour to Zimbabwe is intended to send a clear message to emerging players that they will have chances to prove themselves.

While the focus is currently on One Day Internationals (ODIs) and the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Aaqib's vision for the future of Pakistan cricket is clear. He aims to build a strong foundation that not only prepares the team for immediate challenges but also sets the stage for long-term success. As fans of cricket in Pakistan, it is essential to remain hopeful and supportive as the team navigates through these changes, with the potential return of players like Fakhar Zaman adding to the excitement of what lies ahead.